What are graphite rods used for？

What are graphite rods?

Graphite rods are spherical rod-shaped graphite products that have been roasted and graphitized. Their main component is carbon. They have good conductivity, high purity and high density. They are mainly used in electric arc furnace steelmaking, electrolysis, electrochemistry, aerospace and other industries.

Key advantages of graphite rods

The widespread use of graphite rods in different fields owes to their numerous benefits. Now let’s examine them:

‌High conductivity‌: Graphite rods have low electrical resistance and very high electrical conductivity, which can effectively conduct electric current. Its electrical conductivity is more than six times that of copper.

‌High temperature resistance‌: It can maintain stable performance at high temperatures, with a maximum operating temperature of up to 3000℃. So this allows it to maintain reliable performance in high temperature environments.

‌Chemical stability‌: It can resist the erosion of a variety of chemicals, has good corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance, and can remain stable in high temperature and chemical corrosion environments.

‌Lubricity‌: It has a low friction coefficient and can be used as a lubricant to reduce friction and wear. This feature allows it to reduce friction between mechanical parts in certain applications, reduce energy consumption and extend the life of equipment.

‌High strength and high toughness‌: It can withstand high pressure, high tension and impact. This makes it increase the durability and reliability of mechanical equipment in mechanical applications.

‌Excellent electrical and thermal properties‌: The thermal conductivity of graphite rods is very high, more than twice that of copper, which makes it an ideal material for manufacturing equipment such as radiators and high-temperature stoves.

Main applications of graphite rods

The great characteristics of graphite rods make them necessary across many fields.

I. Melting and casting

Graphite rods are used as electrodes in the metallurgical industry and play a key role in electric arc furnaces. Electric arc furnaces use electrodes to smelt steel and other metals.

II. Electrolysis

During the electrolysis process, positive and negative ions pass through the graphite rod and form reactive oxides or reduced products, which also increases the electrolysis rate.

III. Stir sticks

Stirring the aluminum solution can remove hydrogen and oxidized waste slag during the production process, which is suitable for high temperature and corrosion-resistant environments.

IV. Optical fiber and semiconductors

Its high thermal conductivity makes it widely used in the semiconductor industry and used as a negative electrode material in lithium-ion batteries. It can also be used to make graphite fishing rods.

V. Heat treating

With a low thermal expansion coefficient, it is an ideal heat conduction material, which effectively controls the temperature of equipment in industrial production.

VI. Nuclear reactors

It can control the speed of nuclear fission reactions, absorb neutrons, and slow down or enhance the reaction rate.

VII. Hearth rails

It can be used stably in environments up to 3000 degrees Celsius and serves as a support post for guide rails in heating furnaces.

VIII. Aerospace

It is often used to manufacture aerospace sensors, bearings, and seals. Because it has good wear resistance and self-lubricating properties.

Conclusion

Graphite rod is a widely used material that plays an important role in the industrial industry. It has excellent properties, including electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, and easy processing. Whether in the fields of smelting, casting, semiconductors, aerospace, or other reaction purposes, graphite rods are an indispensable part.