Graphite (an allotrope form of carbon) is a valuable non-metallic mineral.
Graphite is classified according to its crystalline form. This determines the industrial value and use of graphite. In the industrial sector, graphite-ore is divided according to its crystalline forms into crystalline ore (flaky), and cryptocrystalline ore (soil like). Mineralogically, graphite and cryptocrystalline are both crystalline. Cryptocrystalline graphite, also known as crystalline graphite, is only visible under an electron microscopic. Different classification methods will produce different results. This article uses industrial methods of classification, which are closer in application to graphite’s classification and use.
The classification and nature of graphite
Scale-like and dense graphite ore are two types of crystalline graphite. The scaley graphite ore is more likely to crystallize, with crystal sizes greater than 1mm. The most important raw material is high-quality large flake flakes. It plays a vital role in the future growth of the graphite industries (or the development products produced). The graphite produced by my country is distributed throughout the world, including in Heilongjiang and Inner Mongolia. It also comes from Shandong, Hubei, and Shandong. The grade of dense crystalline is high. It has a carbon content between 60% and 65%. Sometimes it can be as high as 98%. But its plasticity, lubricity, etc. are inferior to flake graphite. Amorphous graphite, also known as cryptocrystalline graphite, is another name for this type of graphite. This type is distinguished by its dull, earthy surface. It also has a lower level of lubricity. Its grade ranges between 60% and 80%. A few graphites even reach 90%. Ash content can be as high at 22%. As science and technology continue to advance, graphite purity technology will improve, and cryptocrystalline will become more popular.
Graphite’s internal structure is closely related to its wide variety of applications. Graphite, a type of crystalline carbon that has a hexagonal layered structural design, is a form of crystalline carbon. The force between layers is low, but the distance is great, making it easy for the material to slip. The graphite also has a low hardness and lubricity. In addition, every C-atom in the structure of graphite only forms three covalent bonds with another C-atom, and for each original C-atom, there is still one electron free to transport charge. So, graphite can conduct electricity. The thermal conductivity of graphite depends on the intensity and speed of electron free movement.
Graphite’s main properties, features and characteristics Introduction: High temperature resistance Graphite’s strength increases with temperature. At 2000, graphite’s strength doubles. Electrical and Thermal Conductivity The electrical conductivity graphite is 100 times higher than the conductivity of non-metallic mineral materials. Thermal conductivity is greater than metal materials like steel, iron and lead. Even at very high temperatures, graphite is an insulator. The size of graphite flakes determines lubricity. The larger the graphite flakes are, the lower their friction coefficient is and the better lubrication they provide. Chemical stability This product has good chemical resistance at room temperatures and is resistant to acid, alkali or organic solvent corrosion. The material is very tough and durable, and can also be rolled out into very thin pieces. Thermal shock resistance It can be used at room temperatures and withstand temperature fluctuations without damage.
Graphite flakes are classified according to their size: giant flake (or large flake), medium flake (or medium flake), and small flake (or small flake). The size and degree of graphite crystalline growth, along with the chemical and physical properties of the material and its application fields are all different. In the old days, graphite was valued more highly if the scales were larger. Small flake graphite’s value will increase as demand for the anode material for lithium-ion batteries increases.
According to genetic types, China’s graphite deposits can be divided into sedimentary-metamorphic and magmatic hydrothermal fluids. The two major deposit types are contact metamorphism (regional metamorphism) and regional metamorphism. There are other graphite deposits such as those in tectonic fault zones and secondary accumulations layers. These are usually small-scale and have little value or origin.
Graphite: Uses and Benefits
In the past, graphite was mainly used by machinery industries, chemical industries, metallurgical and light industries. It can be used in a variety of ways, including as a lubricant or friction material. Natural graphite, for example, is mainly used to make iron and steel (i.e., refractory). Synthetic graphite, on the other hand, is used as an electrolyte in electric-furnace steelmaking.
Early in the 16th Century, graphite became a valuable strategic resource. As science and technology continue to develop, application fields expand. Since 2010, graphene was discovered and extensive research has been conducted on its structure and properties. Its excellent properties are proving to be very useful in many different fields, including optics and energy, aerospace, the environment, new materials etc. Graphite also has attracted increasing attention. The application of graphite in traditional fields will be shifted to strategic emerging fields, such as aerospace and green environmental protection.
Tech Co., Ltd. is a professional Graphite producer with over 12 year’s experience in chemical research and product development. You can contact us if your are interested in high-quality Graphite.
