Graphite Flakes

Flake graphite is a non-metallic conductor with a layered structure. It belongs to natural crystalline graphite, often found in natural metamorphic rocks, and is a carbonaceous substance formed by metamorphism under high temperature and pressure. Depending on the application, the size and purity of flake graphite are also divided.

The special microstructure of flake graphite

It is composed of graphite layers of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice. The layers interact and stack together through van der Waals forces, leaving a certain gap between the layers, like the layered structure of fish scales. The special structure of flake graphite makes it not only have good conductivity, but also good lubrication properties.

Graphite Flakes Characteristics:

• High temperature resistance: Graphite can withstand extreme temperatures without losing its structural integrity, its melting point is 3850±50℃, its boiling point is 4250℃. So even after ultra-high temperature burning, graphite weight loss and thermal expansion coefficient are very small. And the strength of graphite will be strengthened with the increase of temperature, at 2000℃, the strength of graphite will be doubled.
• Electrical and thermal conductivity: the electrical conductivity of graphite is one hundred times higher than that of ordinary non-metallic ores. Thermal conductivity more than steel, iron, lead and many other metal materials. The thermal conductivity decreases with increasing temperature, and even at extremely high temperatures, graphite can become an adiabatic. It can be seen that the graphite flake has excellent thermal conductivity and is therefore very suitable for the manufacture of radiators and cooling components for electronic devices.
• lubricity: the graphite squama of the graphite flakes is larger, and the lubrication performance of the graphite depends on the size of the graphite squama. The larger the squama , the smaller the friction coefficient, the better the lubrication performance. Therefore, the graphite Flakes has good lubricity.
• Chemical stability: graphite has good chemical stability at room temperature, it can remain stable in most acidic and alkaline environments. It is not easy to react with other substances, and can resist acid, alkali and organic solvent corrosion. Therefore, you can use graphite flakes as a preservative.
• Plasticity: The toughness of graphite is good, and the thinner graphite flakes can be said to set the advantages of graphite in one.

What is Graphite Flake Used For?

• Carbon Additives:

Graphite Flakes can be used as carbon additives in various metallurgical processes to increase the carbon content in steel and ferroalloys. It can enhance the hardness, strength, plasticity and toughness of the material. By adding graphite, the composition of the alloy can also be adjusted to meet specific requirements, thereby improving the performance of the final product.

• Lubricant :

Because the graphite squama of the graphite Flakes has a layered structure that allows them to slide against each other, the graphite flake is an excellent dry lubricant. Different from the high temperature and high pressure environment that cannot be achieved with traditional lubricants, It has high temperature resistance characteristics. Graphite Flakes lubricants are used in machinery, gears and bearings to reduce friction and wear.

• Additives: 

Graphite Flakes can be added to rubber, plastics and other composite materials to improve their mechanical and electrical properties. Moreover, in rubber, graphite enhances electrical conductivity and wear resistance. In plastics, it can confer electrical conductivity and thermal stability, making the material suitable for a range of industrial applications.

• Electronic industry:

Apple uses graphite Flakes as a cooling material in many of its products, taking advantage of their high thermal conductivity to effectively manage heat.

• Automotive industry:

Tesla incorporated graphite material into its electric vehicle battery management system to regulate the temperature of the battery pack. This plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and safety of the system.

• Aerospace:

Both Boeing and  Airbus have incorporated graphite composites into their commercial aircraft programs, benefiting from the material’s strength-to-weight ratio and thermal properties.

• Battery Application:

Graphite Flakes are a key component of lithium-ion batteries and you can use it as negative electrode materials. Its ability to embed lithium ions makes it an indispensable material in energy storage solutions.

• Corrosion Protection:

Graphite Flakes are extremely chemically stable and can protect metals from corrosion by acting as a barrier to corrosive agents. This feature is useful in Marine and offshore applications where corrosion resistance is critical.

• Graphite flakes in cast iron:

In the field of metallurgy, especially in the production of grey cast iron, graphite flakes play a vital role. In the solidification process of hot metal, as the carbon content is precipitated from the liquid phase, the graphite flakes will naturally form. These flakes alter the microstructure of the metal, helping to form graphite nodules rather than cementite. Besides, this change enhances the mechanical properties of cast iron, giving it greater toughness and wear resistance, which is critical for applications that require durability and strength.

As a flake graphite supplier, we offer competitive prices to help your industrial production. At the same time, please provide us with your required technical indicators, including carbon content, moisture, ash and volatiles content requirements.