Graphite, a versatile material that has existed for many years, is widely used in various industries. In today’s world, its applications are numerous and impactful across diverse fields.
One of the significant uses of graphite is in electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production, where it is utilised to make electrodes and connecting pins. Powdered graphite serves as a carbon raiser, enhancing steel’s properties. Similarly, graphite is used in the production of iron and non-ferrous metals in EAFs. Beyond its role in metallurgy, graphite plays an essential part in technology, especially in touchscreens. The properties of graphene, a material derived from graphite, like transparency and conductivity, make it ideal for touchscreens, boosting their efficiency.
Graphite also serves as an additive in the production of refractories, which are materials used in high-temperature environments like furnaces and kilns. The presence of graphite enhances the thermal conductivity and durability of these materials. For artists, powdered graphite is a popular tool, particularly in urban sketching and painting, allowing for texture modulation in paint. It’s even found in audio technology, where graphene contributes to the production of acoustic drivers in headphones, improving sound quality.
In automotive applications, graphite plays a vital role in car brakes and clutches by modulating friction. Its inclusion in brakes as a lining material helps dissipate heat, preventing friction elements from overheating. Similarly, graphite is a key component in batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, where it boosts electrical conductivity while maintaining chemical stability. Its role extends to sensors, where its conductive properties make it essential for the development of electrochemical sensors.
Graphite’s unique atomic structure also makes it ideal for use in industrial and commercial lubricants. It can be used in various forms, such as a solid powder, a film, or a fluid dispersion, depending on the application. In metallurgy, graphite is employed in recarburising processes, where it serves as a carbon additive to enhance the performance of steels and irons. This process, known as carburizing, helps to increase the carbon content in metals.
Graphite has long been recognised for its use in writing materials, most notably in pencils. A mixture of graphite and clay is used to produce pencil leads. Additionally, the ease with which graphite can be machined allows it to be formed into various shapes used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics. The water-repellent properties of graphite make it useful as a protective coating for wood and other surfaces.
In nuclear reactors, graphite rods are used to stabilise reactions by absorbing fast-moving neutrons. Graphite is also widely used in electrical applications, such as making brushes, plates, and electrodes in the electrical industry and in dry cell batteries. The material’s strength and lightness make it ideal for producing graphene sheets, which are over 100 times stronger and 10 times lighter than steel.
Graphite-reinforced polymers are common in the production of sports equipment like tennis rackets and golf clubs. In aerospace applications, graphite is used for manufacturing rocket and jet engine nozzles due to its high-temperature resistance and inertness. Carbon graphite is also found in aircraft fuel pumps and rotary vanes, offering spark-free operation to avoid igniting fuel.
Other mechanical parts, including bearings and bushings, are also made from graphite, ensuring durability, impact resistance, and lightweight construction in aircraft and helicopters.
The versatility of graphite makes it an indispensable material in a wide range of industries, from technology and art to engineering and aerospace. Its unique properties continue to make it relevant and valuable in modern applications.
Alkemy Capital Investments plc (LON:ALK) is focussed on developing projects in the energy transition metals sector. Tees Valley Lithium is developing a state of the art lithium hydroxide plant at Teesside, UK. Tees Valley Graphite is developing the UK’s first natural graphite active anode material processing facility at the ‘plug-and-play’ Wilton International Chemicals Park.
