Uses of Graphite
The applications of Graphite are mentioned below:
Refractories: The heat resistance and stability of graphite, which are essential properties for refractory uses, make it suitable as refractories. It is employed in the production refractory bricks, crucibles, and molds casting metals in the high-temperature environments like foundries and steelmaking while in service.
Lubricants: Graphite being soft and having less friction makes it great as not only a solid form but also powder form lubricant. It is widely used as a replacement of conventional lubricants in cases where the especially in high temperature environment or the presence of chemicals.
Pencil Cores: Graphite is most commonly used in pencil tip. It has two important characteristics, smoothness and brittleness, which are responsible for easy writing and sharpening.
Electrodes in Cells: The electrodes of graphite are applied in cells such as electrochemical cell and electrolytic cell.
Thermal Management: Graphite, with its high thermal conductivity, is useful for the efficient removal of heat in situations where the heat needs to be removed quickly such as in aircraft, heat sinks for electronic devices and as a thermal interface material.
Graphite
Graphite is a crystalline form of carbon. It has a layered structure that consists of rings of six carbon atoms arranged in widely spaced horizontal sheets. Graphite crystallizes in the hexagonal system, in contrast to diamond, another form of carbon, which crystallizes in the tetrahedral system. Graphite is dark gray to black, opaque, and very soft (with a Mohs scale hardness of 1.5)
In this article, we will read in detail about Graphite, its structure, occurrence, properties, and uses.
Table of Content
- What is Graphite
- Structure of Graphite
- Occurrence of Graphite
- Properties of Graphite
- Uses of Graphite
- Graphite vs. Diamond