The other two crystalline forms of carbon are fullerenes and diamond. Graphite is one of these three materials. The most durable form of carbon is graphite, a naturally occurring earth substance.
Graphite and diamond, both made of pure carbon, have similar chemical structures. By 2030, the graphite market is predicted to be worth $36,889.1 million. The global metallurgical and electronics industries' rising need for graphite-based goods is primarily responsible for this.
This mineral is utilized in many products, including lubricants, batteries, and pencils, among other more severe uses. There are various uses for graphite –
• Lithium-Ion Batteries
Graphite, the principal material used for one of the two electrodes known as the anode, is a crucial component of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium ions move via an electrolyte buffer that separates the two electrodes of a battery's cathode to anode during charging.
It will probably open the door for graphite's use in the automotive sector, which would grow the graphite business globally.
• Refractories
Due to its ability to tolerate extreme temperatures and endurance without chemical change, graphite is frequently used as a refractory material. It is employed throughout the production process, from the production of glass and steel to the processing of iron. Additionally, it is used as an alternative to asbestos in car brake linings.
• Lubricants
Graphite is one of the critical components of lubricants like grease and other substances. Any adjacent surfaces get a thin layer of graphite that decreases friction when it combines with air water vapor. It reduces friction among two moving elements, such as the clutch and brakes in an automobile, by creating a suspension in oil.
Many manufacturers utilize graphite as a component in repellent products since it is a potent mineral and an excellent repellant. Metal protectors are among the most popular graphite-based repellents.
Types of Graphite
Natural Graphite
Natural graphite is a mineral made of graphitic carbon and is an excellent heat and electrical conductor. Its melting point of about 3650°C is stable across a wide temperature range. Natural graphite comes in three different varieties.
1. High crystalline
2. Amorphous
3. Flake