Learn About Graphite Flakes Price

As a key non-metallic mineral raw material, flake graphite plays an indispensable role in modern industry. From precision instruments in the field of electronic science and technology, to key components in automotive manufacturing, to high-end equipment in the aerospace industry, flake graphite can be seen everywhere. Its price is affected by a variety of factors, in-depth understanding of its price, help to better play the role of flake graphite.

What is flake graphite?

Flake graphite is a kind of natural graphite, and its crystal is scaly, with good high temperature resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, lubrication and plasticity. It is metamorphic from carbonaceous sediments formed under geological processes, and is relatively abundant in nature. But high-quality flake graphite still needs to go through complex mining and beneficiation processes to obtain. Its unique lamellar structure makes it the material of choice in many industrial applications. Such as as an additive in refractories to improve high temperature resistance, in lubricants to reduce the coefficient of friction. And in electronics as a thermal and conductive material, which also lays the foundation for its market value.

Influencing factors of graphite flakes price

Raw material cost

The price of flake graphite is first affected by the cost of raw material mining and beneficiation. The difference in equipment input, labor cost, energy consumption and ore grade in the mining process will lead to raw material price fluctuations. High-grade flake graphite ore is relatively scarce, difficult to exploit, and its cost is relatively high. This pushes up the price of graphite flakes. In addition, the cost of transportation from the mine to the processing plant, the complexity of the ore selection process and other factors will further affect the final cost of raw materials. It will then be transmitted to the market price of graphite flakes.

Production process and technology

Advanced production processes and technologies play a key role in the price of graphite flakes. The use of high-precision grinding, purification, molding and sintering technology can improve the quality and performance of graphite flakes. But it will also increase equipment investment and research and development costs. For example, the production process of high-quality graphene sheets prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) requires strict environmental control and expensive precursor materials. Making the product price much higher than that of graphite flakes prepared by traditional processes. Moreover, factors such as energy consumption and process scrap rate in the production process will also affect unit cost. And it enterprises with high technology maturity and high production efficiency can often control costs to a certain extent. So as to be more competitive in price.

Product sizes and quality

The larger the size of the graphite flake, the higher the purity and the more complete the crystal structure, the higher the price. Large-size graphite flakes are technically difficult in the production process and have a low yield. But they play an irreplaceable role in some high-end fields (such as aerospace electronic equipment), so they are expensive. In terms of purity, high-purity graphite flakes (such as more than 99.9%) need to go through several fine purification processes to remove impurity elements. It can meet the needs of high-end applications such as electronic grade. And its price will also increase significantly due to the increase in purification costs. At the same time, the physical properties of graphite flakes are also directly linked to its price. Such as electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength and other indicators, the better the performance, the higher the price.

Market supply and demand

The market supply and demand relationship is a direct factor affecting the price of graphite flakes. With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, 5G communications and other industries, the demand for graphite flakes has increased sharply. When demand growth exceeds supply capacity, prices rise. On the contrary, if the market is oversupplied, such as some new graphite mining projects are put into production. Or downstream industry demand slows down due to the economic situation and other factors, graphite flake prices will face downward pressure. In addition, the trade policy and geopolitical situation in the international market will also affect the import and export of graphite flakes. It will change the supply and demand balance and price level in the domestic market.

Market status of graphite flakes price

Price range of different types of graphite flakes

Price Trend analysis

In recent years, with the continuous heating of new energy and high-tech industries, the overall price of graphite flake is on the rise. Especially the high-purity and high-performance graphite flake products. In the short term, prices may be subject to seasonal or cyclical adjustments due to fluctuations in market supply and demand. However, in the long run, with the reduction of the cost of technological progress and the continuous mining of emerging industry demand, the price of graphite flake is expected to stabilize within a reasonable range. While the price of low-end products may face certain pressure due to increased competition. And high-end products will maintain high added value and price levels with their technical barriers.

Conclusion

The price of graphite flake is a complex system interwoven by a variety of factors, from the source of raw materials to the core of production technology. And then to the macro environment of market supply and demand, each link is shaping its price trend. In the future, with the continuous innovation of science and technology and the upgrading and development of the industry, the graphite flake market will continue to evolve. And its price will also find a new fulcrum in the dynamic balance. Promoting the entire industry chain to the direction of higher efficiency and higher value.

FAQ

How much is graphite per kg?

Graphite prices vary by type and quality. Ordinary natural flake graphite ranges from 0.7-7 usd per kilogram, high purity natural flake graphite can reach 14-71 usd/kg. Synthetic graphite flakes are usually 28-143 usd/kg, and the price of laboratory-grade graphene sheets is more than 140 usd/kg. Even up to 700 usd/kg and higher, the specific price depends on the specifications and performance indicators of the product.

How much does 1 ton of graphite cost?

If it is ordinary natural flake graphite, the cost of 1 ton is about 700-7000 usd. The cost of 1 ton of high purity natural flake graphite may be 14000-70,000 usd. The cost of 1 ton of synthetic graphite is roughly 800 usd to more than 1200 usd. This will also fluctuate due to quality, production process and market conditions.

How much is flake graphite in China?

China is one of the world’s major producers of flake graphite, with abundant reserves. According to incomplete statistics, the proven reserves are in the tens of millions of tons. And distributed in Shandong, Heilongjiang, Inner Mongolia and other regions, but high-quality flake graphite resources are relatively limited. With the continuation of mining, resource protection and reasonable development and utilization, it is increasingly important to ensure long-term stable supply capacity.

What is flake graphite used for?

Flake graphite is widely used, in the traditional industry, used in refractories can improve its high temperature resistance.

In the casting industry to help improve the surface quality of castings and demoulding effect. But also as a lubricant to reduce friction and wear of mechanical parts.

In the emerging industry, it is a key component of the battery anode material. It can improve the charge and discharge performance of the battery. And you can use it for heat sink in electronic equipment to ensure the stable operation of the equipment.

In the aerospace field, it meets the material needs of special parts because of its excellent performance. Providing support for the lightweight and high performance of spacecraft, aircraft, etc.