Is Graphite A Composite Material?

Graphite is often used as a reinforcing phase in the preparation of composite materials and has a wide range of applications. However, whether graphite is a composite material is often debated. Based on the definition of material science, we will discuss the composition and structure of graphite in this paper. And clarify the essential difference between graphite and composite materials.

Analysis of Composite Materials

Definition Explanation

In a strict sense, composite materials are composed of two or more materials with different properties. Through physical or chemical methods, they form materials with new properties at the macro (micro) level. These component materials maintain their relative independence in the composite. And they work cooperatively with each other to give the composite properties that a single material cannot have. Such as glass fiber reinforced plastics. Glass fiber provides high strength and stiffness, while plastic gives the material good formability and chemical resistance. And the they combine to create a composite material with excellent performance.

Key Characteristics

Firstly, the composite material is designable. You can select different composition materials and composite methods according to different use requirements. Then you can accurately control the performance of composite materials. Secondly, composites tend to perform better than simple superpositions of their constituent materials, which is called “synergy.” In addition, there is an obvious interface between the components of the composite material. And the properties of the interface have a crucial impact on the overall properties of the composite material.

Exploration of the Nature of Graphite

Formation of Graphite

Natural Graphite

It is formed by the metamorphism of organic matter after a long geological time and exists in metamorphic rocks. According to the crystalline form, it is divided into crystalline and cryptocrystalline graphite. The former has good electrical conductivity and lubricity, and the latter has large specific surface area.

Artificial Graphite

It is prepared from petroleum coke and other carbon-containing raw materials by high temperature graphitization. You can accurately control its performance by adjusting raw materials, temperature and time, and widely use it in modern industry.

Microstructure of Graphite

It has a layered structure, the carbon atoms in the layer form a hexagonal network with covalent bonds, and the layers are connected by van der Waals forces. So it has good electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and lubricity in the plane direction.

Performance Characteristics of Graphite

It has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which is an ideal material for electrodes and heat sinks. Moreover, its good chemical stability and self-lubricating can reduce the friction and wear of mechanical parts.

Applications of Graphite in Composite Materials

Polymer Matrix Composites

In polymer matrix composites, adding graphite can significantly improve the electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of the polymer. For example, adding an appropriate amount of graphite to plastics can prepare plastic products with antistatic properties. This is widely used in the field of electronic packaging. In addition, graphite-reinforced polymer matrix composites also have good wear resistance. And you can use it to manufacture wear-resistant parts such as mechanical seals.

Metal Matrix Composites

In metal matrix composites, adding graphite can improve the performance of metal. It can reduce the density of the material, and improve the wear resistance and self-lubricity of the material. Taking aluminum cornerstone ink composite material as an example, this material has both the light weight and good processing performance of aluminum, and has the self-lubricating property of graphite. You can use it to manufacture engine pistons and other parts to improve the working efficiency and service life of the engine.

Carbon/Carbon Composites

Carbon/carbon composites are composites with carbon or graphite fiber as reinforcement and carbon or graphite as matrix. This material has good thermal shock resistance. Graphite in carbon/carbon composite materials as both reinforcement phase, and as a matrix phase. By controlling the structure and content of graphite, you can prepare it to meet the different requirements of carbon/carbon composite materials. And you can widely use it in the aerospace field, such as manufacturing aircraft brake discs.

Graphene Composites

Graphene is a single atomic layer of two-dimensional material stripped from graphite, which has excellent mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. By combining graphene with other materials, you can prepare high performance graphene composites. For example, when combining it with rubber, it can significantly improve the strength and wear resistance of rubber.

Ceramic Matrix Composites

Traditional ceramic materials have the characteristics of high hardness and brittleness. Adding graphite can effectively alleviate the stress concentration inside the ceramic and improve the toughness of the material. So you can use graphite reinforced ceramic matrix composites to manufacture high temperature furnace linings, cutting tools, etc.

Glass Matrix Composites

Adding graphite into the glass matrix composite makes it have certain conductivity and self-lubricity. You can use this composite material to make special glass products, such as glass with anti-fog and anti-static functions.

Rubber Matrix Composites

Filling rubber matrix composites with graphite can make them have good electrical conductivity and wear resistance. Adding graphite to rubber can prepare anti-static rubber products, such as conveyor belts used in coal mines. It can effectively prevent safety accidents caused by static electricity.

Cement Matrix Composites

In cement-based composites, the addition of graphite can improve the conductivity and mechanical properties of cement. Through electric heating, it can melt snow and ice on the road, so you can use it to make road deicing materials

Conclusion

To sum up, graphite is a layered crystalline material composed of elemental carbon, which is a single component substance rather than a composite material. However, graphite plays an integral role in the field of composite materials. Graphite can significantly improve the properties of composite materials by combining with other materials, and create new materials with excellent comprehensive properties. If you need to buy graphite materials, contact us now.