Graphite Materials:

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Graphite Materials

• MEEN-3344
• Materials Science

By Brandon Borowicz
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History of Graphite
- Naturally discovered around 1565 in Cumberland,
Britain
- Also can be found naturally in Siberia, Germany
the United States
- Was named graphite from the Greek word for
writing
E.G. Acheson
- Synthetically created by Edward G. Acheson
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Graphite Materials
Is a form of carbon that occurs as a natural
mineral and is manufactured synthetically.
Graphite
- Greasy material - Strong conductor of
electricity - High strength chemical stability
at elevated temperatures - Low coefficient of
thermal expansion and high resistance to thermal
shock
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Properties
Layers of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms.
Forming a HCP crystalline structure.
Composition Structure
Appearance
Black to gray with a metallic earthly luster.
- Each carbon atom is bonded to three other
carbon atoms strongly but each layer is held
together with a weak bond due to van der Waals
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Applications
- When mixed with clay other materials it forms
the lead in lead pencils
- Graphite is used in nuclear reactors to act as
a moderator to slow down neutrons
- Used in manufacturing as a lubricant to smooth
surfaces so that castings can be removed from
molds easily
- Is also used as to produce numerous objects
such as dry lubricants, and paints
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References
- Fundamentals of Materials Science
Engineering- William D. Callister, Jr.
- The Encyclopedia Americana International
Edition - Volume 13
- www.tate.org
- www.chemheritage.org