Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon—hexagonal crystal system for iron ink to dark gray. The melting point is 3,652 degrees Celsius, and the boiling point is 4,827 degrees Celsius. Soft, slippery, and conductive. Chemical properties are not active, corrosion resistance, and acid; alkali reaction is not easy. Adding heat to the air or oxygen can burn and produce carbon dioxide. Strong oxidants oxidize it into organic acids. They are used as anti-friction and lubricating materials, the crucible, electrode, dry battery, and pencil lead. High-purity Graphite can be used as a neutron reducer in nuclear reactors and is often called carbon or black lead because it was previously mistaken for information. Graphite is a transitional crystal between atomic, metal, and molecular crystals.
In the crystal, the carbon atoms of the same layer form covalent bonds by sp2 hybridization; each carbon atom is associated with another three carbon atoms, and the six carbon atoms form regular hexagonal rings on the same plane, stretching to create a lamellar structure. Carbon atoms in the same plane have one p orbital, overlapping each other, forming delocalized π bonds. Electrons can move freely in the lattice and be excited, so Graphite has a metallic luster and can conduct electricity and heat. Because the distance between layers is significant, the binding force (van der Waals force) is small; each layer can slide, so the density of Graphite is smaller than diamond, soft and slippery. The distance between each mesh layer of Graphite is 3.40A, which is combined by the van der Waals forces; that is, the layers belong to molecular crystals, and the spacing of carbon atoms in the same mesh layer is 1.42A. Because the carbon atoms on the same plane layer are strongly bonded, it is tough to destroy. Hence, the melting point of Graphite is also very high, and the chemical properties are stable. Because of its special bonding mode, Graphite cannot be regarded as a single crystal or a polycrystal. It is now generally accepted that Graphite is a mixed crystal. If you are looking for high quality, high purity and cost-effective zinc sulfide, or if you require the latest price of zinc sulfide, please feel free to email contact mis-asia.
