Difference between revisions of "Graphite" - New World Encyclopedia

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{| border=1 cellspacing=0 align=right cellpadding=0 width=250 valign=top style="margin-left:1em"
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{{Ebapproved}}{{Copyedited}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Approved}}{{Paid}}
|----- align=center bgcolor="#9966FF"
 
!colspan=2 align=center|Graphite
 
|----- align=center
 
!colspan=2|[[Image:GraphiteUSGOV.jpg|thumb|center]]
 
|----- align=center bgcolor="#9966FF"
 
!colspan=2|General
 
|-----
 
|Category|| Native [[mineral]]
 
|-----
 
|[[Chemical formula]]|| [[Carbon]], C
 
|----- align="center" bgcolor="#9966FF"
 
!colspan=2|Identification
 
|-----
 
| Color || Steel black, to grey.
 
|-----
 
| [[Crystal habit]] || Tabular, six-sided [[Foliation (geology)|foliated]] masses, granular to compacted masses.
 
|-----
 
| [[Crystal structure|Crystal system]] || [[Hexagonal (crystal system)|Hexagonal]] (6/m 2/m 2/m)
 
|-----
 
| [[Cleavage (crystal)|Cleavage]]|| Perfect in one direction.
 
|-----
 
| [[Fracture]]|| Flaky, otherwise rough when not on clevage
 
|-----
 
| [[Mohs Scale]] hardness || 1 - 2
 
|-----
 
| [[Lustre]]|| Dull metallic, earthy
 
|-----
 
| [[Refractive index]]|| Opaque
 
|-----
 
| [[Pleochroism]]|| None
 
|-----
 
| [[Streak]]|| Black
 
|-----
 
| [[Density]]|| 2.09–2.23 g/cm³
 
|-----
 
| [[Fusibility]]|| ?
 
|-----
 
| [[Solubility]]|| Molten Ni
 
|----- align="center" bgcolor="#9966FF"
 
|-----
 
|}
 
  
'''Graphite''' (named by Abraham Gottlob Werner in [[1789]], from the [[Greek language|Greek]] γραφειν: "to draw/write", for its use in [[pencils]]) is one of the [[allotropes of carbon]]. Unlike [[diamond]], graphite is a [[Conductor (material)|conductor]], and can be used, for instance, as the material in the electrodes of an electrical [[arc lamp]]. Graphite holds the distinction of being the most stable form of solid carbon ever discovered.
+
{{Infobox mineral
 +
| name    = Graphite
 +
| category  = Native [[mineral]]
 +
| boxwidth  =
 +
| boxbgcolor =
 +
| image    = GraphiteUSGOV.jpg
 +
| imagesize  =
 +
| caption  =
 +
| formula  = [[Carbon]], C
 +
| molweight  =
 +
| color    = Steel black, to gray
 +
| habit    = Tabular, six-sided [[Foliation (geology)|foliated]] masses, granular to compacted masses
 +
| system  = [[Hexagonal (crystal system)|Hexagonal]] (6/m 2/m 2/m)
 +
| twinning  =
 +
| cleavage  = Perfect in one direction
 +
| fracture  = Flaky, otherwise rough when not on cleavage
 +
| mohs    = 1 - 2
 +
| luster  = metallic, earthy
 +
| refractive = Opaque
 +
| opticalprop =
 +
| birefringence =
 +
| pleochroism = None
 +
| streak  = Black
 +
| gravity  =
 +
| density  = 2.09 - 2.23 g/cm³
 +
| melt    =
 +
| fusibility =
 +
| diagnostic =
 +
| solubility = Molten Ni
 +
| diaphaneity =
 +
| other    =
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
'''Graphite''' is one of the two common but distinctively different forms or [[allotropes]] of [[carbon]], the other being diamond. Graphite holds the distinction of being the most stable form of solid carbon ever discovered. It may be considered the highest grade of [[coal]], just above [[anthracite]], although it is not normally used as fuel because it is hard to ignite.
 +
 
 +
Unlike [[diamond]], graphite is an [[electrical conductor]]. It can therefore be used, for instance, as the material in the electrodes of an electrical [[arc lamp]]. Also unlike diamond, graphite is fairly soft and is used as the "lead" in "lead pencils."
 +
{{toc}}
 +
The term "graphite" is sometimes also used to refer to [[carbon fiber]] or [[carbon fiber reinforced plastic]].
 +
 
 +
== Etymology ==
 +
 
 +
Graphite was given its name by [[Abraham Gottlob Werner]] in 1789, from the [[Greek language|Greek]] word γραφειν (graphein), which means "to draw or write." He selected the word based on the use of this allotrope in [[pencil]]s.
  
 
== Occurrence ==
 
== Occurrence ==
 +
[[Image:GraphiteOreUSGOV.jpg|thumb|left|Graphite ore]]
 +
[[Image:2005graphite.PNG|thumb|left|Graphite output in 2005.]]
  
Associated minerals include: [[quartz]], [[calcite]], [[mica]]s, [[iron]] [[meteorite]]s and [[tourmaline]]s. Notable occurrences include [[New York]] and [[Texas]] in the USA, [[Russia]], [[Mexico]], [[Greenland]], and [[India]].
+
Associated minerals with which graphite commonly occurs include: [[quartz]], [[calcite]], [[mica]]s, [[iron]] [[meteorite]]s, and [[tourmaline]]s. In 2005, [[China]] was the top producer of graphite with about 80 percent of the world share followed by [[India]] and [[Brazil]].
  
Other characteristics: thin flakes are flexible but inelastic, mineral can leave black marks on hands and paper, conducts electricity, and displays [[superlubricity]]. Best field indicators are softness, luster, density and streak.
+
Other characteristics: thin flakes of graphite are flexible but inelastic; the mineral can leave black marks on hands and paper; it conducts electricity; and it displays [[superlubricity]]. Best field indicators are softness, luster, density and streak.
  
[[Image:GraphiteOreUSGOV.jpg|thumb|Graphite ore]]
+
== History ==
  
 +
Some time prior to 1565 (some sources say as early as 1500), an enormous deposit of graphite was discovered at the site of [[Seathwaite Fell]] near Borrowdale, [[Cumbria, England]]. The locals found that it was very useful for marking sheep. This particular deposit of graphite was extremely pure and solid, and it could easily be sawn into sticks. This was and remains the only deposit of graphite ever found in this solid form.<ref>{{cite web
 +
| title = Pencil
 +
| url = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pencil
 +
| accessdate = November 28, 2007}}</ref>
  
 
== Structure ==
 
== Structure ==
 +
Each [[carbon]] [[atom]] is [[covalent]]ly [[Chemical bond|bonded]] to three other surrounding carbon atoms. The flat sheets of carbon atoms are bonded into [[Hexagonal (crystal system)|hexagonal structures]]. These exist in layers, which are not covalently connected to the surrounding layers. Instead, different layers are connected together by weak forces called [[van der Waals force]]s much like those of [[mica]].
 +
 +
The [[unit cell]] dimensions are ''a'' = ''b'' = 2.456 [[ångström]]s = 245.6 [[picometer]]s, ''c'' = 6.694 Å = 669.4 pm. The carbon-carbon [[bond length]] in the bulk form is 1.418 Å (141.8 pm), and the interlayer spacing is ''c''/2 = 3.347 Å (334.7 pm).
 +
 +
[[Image:Graphit gitter.png|thumb|Crystal structure of graphite]]
 +
Each carbon atom possesses a sp² [[orbital hybridisation]]. The [[electron configuration|pi orbital electrons]] delocalized across the hexagonal atomic sheets of carbon contribute to graphite's [[electrical conductivity|conductivity]]. In an oriented piece of graphite, conductivity parallel to these sheets is greater than that perpendicular to these sheets.
 +
 +
The bond between the atoms within a layer is stronger than the bond of diamond, but the force between two layers of graphite is weak. Therefore, layers of it can slip over each other making it soft.
 +
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Graphite-unit-cell-3D-balls.png|<center>graphite's [[crystal structure#Unit cell|unit cell]]</center>
 +
Image:Graphite-sheet-3D-balls.png|<center>[[ball-and-stick model]] of a graphite layer</center>
 +
Image:Graphite-layers-side-3D-balls.png|<center>side view of layer stacking</center>
 +
Image:Graphite-layers-top-3D-balls.png|<center>plan view of layer stacking</center>
 +
</gallery>
 +
 +
==Detailed properties==
  
Each [[carbon]] [[atom]] is [[covalent|covalently]] [[Chemical bond|bonded]] to three other surrounding carbon atoms. The flat sheets of carbon atoms are bonded into [[Hexagonal (crystal system)|hexagonal structures]]. These exist in layers, which are not covalently connected to the surrounding layers.
+
The [[Acoustics|acoustic]] and [[thermal]] properties of graphite are highly [[anisotropic]], since [[phonons]] propagate very quickly along the tightly-bound planes, but are slower to travel from one plane to another.
  
The [[unit cell]] dimensions are ''a'' = ''b'' = 245.6 [[picometre]]s, ''c'' = 669.4 pm. The carbon-carbon [[bond length]] in the bulk form is 141.8 pm, and the interlayer spacing is ''c''/2 = 334.7 pm.
+
Graphite can [[electrical conduction|conduct electricity]] due to the vast [[electron]] [[delocalization]] within the carbon layers. These electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity. However, the electricity is only conducted within the plane of the layers.
  
Each carbon atom possesses an sp<sup>2</sup> [[orbital hybridisation]]. The [[electron configuration|pi orbital electrons]] delocalized across the hexagonal atomic sheets of carbon contribute the graphite's [[conductivity]]. In an oriented piece of graphite, conductivity parallel to these sheets is greater than that perpendicular to these sheets.
+
Graphite and graphite powder, is valued for industrial applications, for its self-lubricating and dry [[lubricant|lubricating]] properties. There is a common belief that graphite's lubricating properties are solely due to the [[cleavage (crystal)|loose interlamellar coupling]] between sheets in the structure. However, it has been shown that in a [[vacuum]] environment (such as in technologies for use in [[Outer space|space]]), graphite is a very poor lubricant. This observation led to the discovery that the lubrication is due to the presence of fluids between the layers, such as air and water, which are naturally [[adsorbed]] from the environment. This molecular property is unlike other layered, dry lubricants such as [[molybdenum disulfide]]. Recent studies suggest that an effect called [[superlubricity]] can also account for graphite's lubricating properties.
  
 +
The use of graphite is limited by its tendency to facilitate [[pitting corrosion]] in some [[stainless steel]]s, and to promote galvanic [[corrosion]] between dissimilar metals (due to its electrical conductivity). It is also corrosive to aluminum in the presence of moisture. For this reason, the [[US Air Force]] banned its use as a lubricant in aluminum aircraft,<ref>[http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/lubricants.html Better Lubricants than Graphite] Retrieved November 28, 2007.</ref> and discouraged its use in aluminum-containing automatic weapons.<ref>[http://gojackarmy.blogspot.com/2005/09/weapons-lubricant-in-desert.html Weapons Lubricant in the Desert.] Retrieved November 28, 2007.</ref> Even graphite [[pencil]] marks on aluminum parts may facilitate corrosion.<ref>[http://7faq.com/owbase/ow.asp?GoodEngineeringPractice%2FCorrosion Good Engineering Practice: Corrosion.] Retrieved November 28, 2007.</ref>
  
==Detailed properties and uses==
+
Another high-temperature lubricant, [[boron nitride|hexagonal boron nitride]], has the same molecular structure as graphite. It is sometimes called ''white graphite'', due to its similar properties.
  
The [[Acoustics|acoustic]] and [[thermal]] properties of graphite are  highly anisotropic, since [[phonons]] propagate very quickly along the tightly-bound planes, but are slower to travel from one plane to another.
+
When a large number of crystallographic defects bind these planes together, graphite loses its lubrication properties and becomes what is known as [[pyrolytic carbon]]. This material is useful for blood-contacting implants such as [[prosthetic]] [[heart valve]]s. It is also highly [[diamagnetic]], thus it will float in mid-air above a strong magnet.
  
Graphite is able to [[conduct]] [[electricity]] due to the unpaired fourth [[electron]] in each carbon atom. This unpaired 4th electron forms [[delocalised]] planes above and below the planes of the carbon atoms. These electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity. However, the electricity is only conducted within the plane of the layers.
+
Graphite forms [[graphite intercalation compound|intercalation compounds]] with some [[metal]]s and small [[molecule]]s. In these compounds, the host molecule or [[atom]] gets "sandwiched" between the graphite layers, resulting in compounds with variable [[stoichiometry]]. A prominent example of an intercalation compound is potassium graphite, denoted by the formula KC<sub>8</sub>.
 +
 +
Natural and crystalline graphites are not often used in pure form as structural materials, due to their shear-planes, brittleness, and inconsistent mechanical properties.
  
Graphite powder is used as a dry [[lubricant]], although it might be thought that this industrially important property is due entirely to the [[cleavage (crystal)|loose interlamellar coupling]] between sheets in the structure, in fact in a [[vacuum]] environment (such as in technologies for use in [[Outer space|space]]), graphite was found to be a very poor lubricant, leading to the discovery that in fact lubrication is due to [[adsorbed]] air and water between the layers, unlike other layered dry lubricants such as [[molybdenum disulfide]]. Recent studies suggest that an effect called [[superlubricity]] can also account for this effect.
+
==Uses==
  
When a large number of crystallographic defects bind these planes together, graphite loses its lubrication properties and becomes what is known as [[pyrolytic carbon]], a useful material in blood-contacting implants such as [[prosthetic]] [[heart valve]]s.  
+
Graphite is the substance used as the marking material ("lead") in common [[pencil]]s.
  
Natural and crystalline graphites are not often used in pure form as structural materials due to their shear-planes, brittleness and inconsistent mechanical properties.
+
Closely related to graphite are the pure glassy (isotropic) synthetic forms, [[pyrolytic carbon]] and [[carbon fiber]], which are extremely strong, heat-resistant (to 3000°C) materials, used in reentry shields for missile nosecones, [[solid rocket]] engines, [[pebble bed reactor]]s, [[brake]] shoes, [[electric motor]] brushes, and as electrodes in [[Electrical discharge machining|electrical discharge machines]] (EDM).
  
In its pure glassy (isotropic) synthetic forms, [[pyrolytic graphite]] and [[carbon fiber]] graphite is an extremely strong, heat-resistant (to 3000 &deg;C) material, used in reentry shields for missile nosecones, [[solid rocket]] engines, [[Pebble bed reactor|high temperature reactors]], [[brake]] shoes and [[electric motor]] brushes.
+
[[Intumescent]] or expandable graphites are used in [[firestop]]s, particularly plastic pipes and [[gasket]]s, fitted around the [[perimeter]] of a [[fire door]]. During a fire, the graphite expands and chars to resist fire penetration and reduce the likelihood of the spread of fire and fumes. A typical start expansion temperature (SET) is between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius.
  
Intumescent or expandable graphites are used in fire seals, fitted around the perimeter of a fire door. During a fire the graphite intumesces (expands and chars) to resist fire penetration and prevent the spread of fumes. A typical start expansion temperature (SET) is between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius.
+
Carbon fiber and [[carbon nanotube]]s are also used in [[carbon fiber reinforced plastic]]s, and in heat-resistant composites such as [[reinforced carbon-carbon]] (RCC). Products made from carbon fiber graphite composites include [[fishing rod]]s, golf clubs, and bicycle frames, and have been successfully employed in [[reinforced concrete]]. The mechanical properties of carbon fiber graphite-reinforced plastic composites and grey [[cast iron]] are strongly influenced by the role of graphite in these materials. In this context, the term "(100 percent) graphite" is often loosely used to refer to a pure mixture of carbon reinforcement and resin, while the term "composite" is often used for [[composite materials]] that include not only carbon reinforcement and resin but also additional ingredients. <ref>about.com:tennis[http://tennis.about.com/od/tennisracquetsfaq/f/faqracquets42.htm What is the best material for a tennis racquet?]Retrieved November 30, 2007.</ref>
  
[[Carbon fiber]] and [[carbon nanotube]]s are also used to [[graphite reinforced plastic]]s, and in heat-resistant composites such as [[reinforced carbon-carbon]] (RCC)). They have also successfully [[reinforced concrete]]. The mechanical properties of carbon fiber graphite-reinforced plastic composites and grey [[cast iron]] are strongly influenced by the role of graphite in these materials.
+
Graphite also finds use as a matrix and [[neutron moderator]] within [[nuclear reactor]]s. Its low neutron [[Cross section (physics)|cross section]] also recommends it for use in proposed [[fusion reactor]]s. Care must be taken that reactor-grade graphite is free of neutron absorbing materials such as [[boron]], widely used as the seed electrode in commercial graphite deposition systems—this caused the failure of the Germans' [[World War II]] graphite-based nuclear reactors. Since they could not isolate they were forced to use far more expensive [[heavy water]] moderators. Graphite used for nuclear reactors is often referred to as [[Nuclear Graphite]].
  
Graphite also finds use as a matrix and [[Neutron_moderator|moderator]] within [[nuclear reactor]]s.  Its low [[neutron]] [[Cross section (physics)|cross section]] also recommends it for use in proposed [[thermonuclear|fusion]] reactors. Care must be taken that reactor-grade graphite is free of neutron absorbing materials such as [[boron]], widely used as the seed electrode in commercial graphite deposition systems— this caused the failure of the German's [[World War II]] graphite-based nuclear reactors. Since they could not isolate the difficulty they were forced to use far more expensive [[heavy water]] moderators.
+
Graphite has been used in at least three [[radar absorbent material]]s. It was mixed with rubber in Sumpf and Schornsteinfeger, which were used on U-boat snorkels to reduce their [[radar cross section]]. It was also used in tiles on early [[F-117 Nighthawk]]s.
 +
 
 +
==Graphite milling==
 +
 
 +
One industrial form of processing the mineral graphite is through the milling process. In that process graphite is ground to a fine powder for use as a slurry in [[oil drilling]]; in [[zirconium]] [[silicate]], [[sodium silicate]] and [[isopropyl alcohol]] coatings for [[foundry]] molds; and for [[calcium]] [[petroleum]] [[Coke (fuel)|coke]], which is used as a [[recarbonizer]] in the [[steel]] industry (Earth Metrics, 1989). Rough graphite is typically ground and packaged at a graphite mill; often the more complex formulations are also mixed and packaged at the mill facility. Environmental impacts from graphite mills consist of air pollution including fine particulate exposure of workers and also [[soil contamination]] from powder spillages leading to [[heavy metals]] contaminations of soil. Dust masks are normally worn by workers during the production process to avoid worker exposure to the fine airborne graphite and [[zircon]] silicate.
  
 
==Media==
 
==Media==
 
{{multi-video start}}
 
{{multi-video start}}
 
{{multi-video item |
 
{{multi-video item |
   filename      = graphite stereo animation.gif |
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filename   = |
  title         = Graphite animation |
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title     = Graphite animation |
  description   = Rotating graphite [[stereogram]]. (2.79 [[Megabyte|MB]], [[animated GIF]] format). |
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description = Rotating graphite [[stereogram]]. (2.79 [[Megabyte|MB]], [[animated GIF]] format). |
  format       = [[animated GIF]]
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format   = [[animated GIF]]
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{multi-video end}}
 
{{multi-video end}}
  
== See also ==
+
==See also==
* [[Carbon fiber]]
+
* [[Carbon]]
* [[Pyrolytic graphite]]
 
 
* [[Diamond]]
 
* [[Diamond]]
* [[Lonsdaleite]]
 
 
* [[Graphene]]
 
* [[Graphene]]
 
* [[Carbon nanotube]]
 
* [[Carbon nanotube]]
* [[Pencil lead]]
+
* [[Fullerene]]
  
==Reference==
+
== Notes ==
* Klein, Cornelis and Cornelius S. Hurlbut, Jr. (1985) ''Manual of Mineralogy: after Dana'' 20<sup>th</sup> ed. ISBN 0-471-80580-7
+
<references/>
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
* Hogan, C. Michael, Marc Papineau, et al. 1989. ''Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Asbury Graphite Mill, 2426-2500 Kirkham Street, Oakland, California''. Earth Metrics report 10292.001.
 +
* Klein, Cornelis, and Cornelius S. Hurlbut, Jr. 1985. ''Manual of Mineralogy: after Dana''. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. ISBN 0-471-80580-7
 +
* Pierson, Hugh O. 1994. ''Handbook of Carbon, Graphite, Diamond and Fullerenes: Properties, Processing and Applications''. Berkshire, UK: Noyes Publications. ISBN 0815513399
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
{{Commons|Graphite}}
+
All links retrieved July 11, 2017.
*[http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~jaszczak/graphite.html The Graphite Page]
+
*[http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~jaszczak/graphite.html The Graphite Page]  
*[http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/elements/graphite/graphite.htm Mineral galleries]
+
*[http://www.webmineral.com/data/Graphite.shtml Webmineral]  
*[http://www.webmineral.com/data/Graphite.shtml Webmineral]
+
*[http://www.mindat.org/show.php?id=1740&ld=1&pho= Mindat]  
*[http://www.mindat.org/show.php?id=1740&ld=1&pho= Mindat w/ locations]
+
*[http://www.chemguide.co.uk/atoms/structures/giantcov.html Giant covalent structures]
*[http://www.astroflame.com/intumescent.html Intumescent graphite for fireproofing]
 
  
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]
 
[[Category:Physical sciences]]
[[Category:Chemistry]]
+
[[Category:Earth sciences]]
[[Category:Chemical elements|Carbon, Graphite]]
+
[[Category:Geology]]
[[Category:Native element minerals]]
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[[Category:Minerals]]
[[Category:Lubricants]]
 
[[Category:Art materials]]
 
[[Category:Carbon forms]]
 
[[Category:Refractory materials]]
 
 
 
[[ar:جرافيت]]
 
[[ca:Cristal·lografia]]
 
[[da:Grafit]]
 
[[de:Graphit]]
 
[[et:Grafiit]]
 
[[es:Grafito]]
 
[[eo:Grafito]]
 
[[fr:Graphite]]
 
[[it:Grafite]]
 
[[he:גרפיט]]
 
[[lt:Grafitas]]
 
[[hu:Grafit]]
 
[[nl:Grafiet]]
 
[[ja:グラファイト]]
 
[[no:Grafitt]]
 
[[pl:Grafit]]
 
[[pt:Grafite]]
 
[[ru:Графит]]
 
[[sk:Grafit]]
 
[[sv:Grafit]]
 
[[th:แกรไฟต์]]
 
[[vi:Than chì]]
 
[[zh:石墨]]
 
  
{{credit|34116821}}
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{{credit|153979311}}

Latest revision as of 19:59, 19 September 2021


Graphite
GraphiteUSGOV.jpg
General
CategoryNative mineral
Chemical formulaCarbon, C
Identification
ColorSteel black, to gray
Crystal habitTabular, six-sided foliated masses, granular to compacted masses
Crystal systemHexagonal (6/m 2/m 2/m)
CleavagePerfect in one direction
FractureFlaky, otherwise rough when not on cleavage
Mohs Scale hardness1 - 2
Lustermetallic, earthy
Refractive indexOpaque
PleochroismNone
StreakBlack
Density
SolubilityMolten Ni

Graphite is one of the two common but distinctively different forms or allotropes of carbon, the other being diamond. Graphite holds the distinction of being the most stable form of solid carbon ever discovered. It may be considered the highest grade of coal, just above anthracite, although it is not normally used as fuel because it is hard to ignite.

Unlike diamond, graphite is an electrical conductor. It can therefore be used, for instance, as the material in the electrodes of an electrical arc lamp. Also unlike diamond, graphite is fairly soft and is used as the "lead" in "lead pencils."

The term "graphite" is sometimes also used to refer to carbon fiber or carbon fiber reinforced plastic.

Etymology

Graphite was given its name by Abraham Gottlob Werner in 1789, from the Greek word γραφειν (graphein), which means "to draw or write." He selected the word based on the use of this allotrope in pencils.

Occurrence

Graphite ore
Graphite output in 2005.

Associated minerals with which graphite commonly occurs include: quartz, calcite, micas, iron meteorites, and tourmalines. In 2005, China was the top producer of graphite with about 80 percent of the world share followed by India and Brazil.

Other characteristics: thin flakes of graphite are flexible but inelastic; the mineral can leave black marks on hands and paper; it conducts electricity; and it displays superlubricity. Best field indicators are softness, luster, density and streak.

History

Some time prior to 1565 (some sources say as early as 1500), an enormous deposit of graphite was discovered at the site of Seathwaite Fell near Borrowdale, Cumbria, England. The locals found that it was very useful for marking sheep. This particular deposit of graphite was extremely pure and solid, and it could easily be sawn into sticks. This was and remains the only deposit of graphite ever found in this solid form.[1]

Structure

Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to three other surrounding carbon atoms. The flat sheets of carbon atoms are bonded into hexagonal structures. These exist in layers, which are not covalently connected to the surrounding layers. Instead, different layers are connected together by weak forces called van der Waals forces much like those of mica.

The unit cell dimensions are a = b = 2.456 ångströms = 245.6 picometers, c = 6.694 Å = 669.4 pm. The carbon-carbon bond length in the bulk form is 1.418 Å (141.8 pm), and the interlayer spacing is c/2 = 3.347 Å (334.7 pm).

Crystal structure of graphite

Each carbon atom possesses a sp² orbital hybridisation. The pi orbital electrons delocalized across the hexagonal atomic sheets of carbon contribute to graphite's conductivity. In an oriented piece of graphite, conductivity parallel to these sheets is greater than that perpendicular to these sheets.

The bond between the atoms within a layer is stronger than the bond of diamond, but the force between two layers of graphite is weak. Therefore, layers of it can slip over each other making it soft.

Detailed properties

The acoustic and thermal properties of graphite are highly anisotropic, since phonons propagate very quickly along the tightly-bound planes, but are slower to travel from one plane to another.

Graphite can conduct electricity due to the vast electron delocalization within the carbon layers. These electrons are free to move, so are able to conduct electricity. However, the electricity is only conducted within the plane of the layers.

Graphite and graphite powder, is valued for industrial applications, for its self-lubricating and dry lubricating properties. There is a common belief that graphite's lubricating properties are solely due to the loose interlamellar coupling between sheets in the structure. However, it has been shown that in a vacuum environment (such as in technologies for use in space), graphite is a very poor lubricant. This observation led to the discovery that the lubrication is due to the presence of fluids between the layers, such as air and water, which are naturally adsorbed from the environment. This molecular property is unlike other layered, dry lubricants such as molybdenum disulfide. Recent studies suggest that an effect called superlubricity can also account for graphite's lubricating properties.

The use of graphite is limited by its tendency to facilitate pitting corrosion in some stainless steels, and to promote galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals (due to its electrical conductivity). It is also corrosive to aluminum in the presence of moisture. For this reason, the US Air Force banned its use as a lubricant in aluminum aircraft,[2] and discouraged its use in aluminum-containing automatic weapons.[3] Even graphite pencil marks on aluminum parts may facilitate corrosion.[4]

Another high-temperature lubricant, hexagonal boron nitride, has the same molecular structure as graphite. It is sometimes called white graphite, due to its similar properties.

When a large number of crystallographic defects bind these planes together, graphite loses its lubrication properties and becomes what is known as pyrolytic carbon. This material is useful for blood-contacting implants such as prosthetic heart valves. It is also highly diamagnetic, thus it will float in mid-air above a strong magnet.

Graphite forms intercalation compounds with some metals and small molecules. In these compounds, the host molecule or atom gets "sandwiched" between the graphite layers, resulting in compounds with variable stoichiometry. A prominent example of an intercalation compound is potassium graphite, denoted by the formula KC8.

Natural and crystalline graphites are not often used in pure form as structural materials, due to their shear-planes, brittleness, and inconsistent mechanical properties.

Uses

Graphite is the substance used as the marking material ("lead") in common pencils.

Closely related to graphite are the pure glassy (isotropic) synthetic forms, pyrolytic carbon and carbon fiber, which are extremely strong, heat-resistant (to 3000°C) materials, used in reentry shields for missile nosecones, solid rocket engines, pebble bed reactors, brake shoes, electric motor brushes, and as electrodes in electrical discharge machines (EDM).

Intumescent or expandable graphites are used in firestops, particularly plastic pipes and gaskets, fitted around the perimeter of a fire door. During a fire, the graphite expands and chars to resist fire penetration and reduce the likelihood of the spread of fire and fumes. A typical start expansion temperature (SET) is between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius.

Carbon fiber and carbon nanotubes are also used in carbon fiber reinforced plastics, and in heat-resistant composites such as reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC). Products made from carbon fiber graphite composites include fishing rods, golf clubs, and bicycle frames, and have been successfully employed in reinforced concrete. The mechanical properties of carbon fiber graphite-reinforced plastic composites and grey cast iron are strongly influenced by the role of graphite in these materials. In this context, the term "(100 percent) graphite" is often loosely used to refer to a pure mixture of carbon reinforcement and resin, while the term "composite" is often used for composite materials that include not only carbon reinforcement and resin but also additional ingredients. [5]

Graphite also finds use as a matrix and neutron moderator within nuclear reactors. Its low neutron cross section also recommends it for use in proposed fusion reactors. Care must be taken that reactor-grade graphite is free of neutron absorbing materials such as boron, widely used as the seed electrode in commercial graphite deposition systems—this caused the failure of the Germans' World War II graphite-based nuclear reactors. Since they could not isolate they were forced to use far more expensive heavy water moderators. Graphite used for nuclear reactors is often referred to as Nuclear Graphite.

Graphite has been used in at least three radar absorbent materials. It was mixed with rubber in Sumpf and Schornsteinfeger, which were used on U-boat snorkels to reduce their radar cross section. It was also used in tiles on early F-117 Nighthawks.

Graphite milling

One industrial form of processing the mineral graphite is through the milling process. In that process graphite is ground to a fine powder for use as a slurry in oil drilling; in zirconium silicate, sodium silicate and isopropyl alcohol coatings for foundry molds; and for calcium petroleum coke, which is used as a recarbonizer in the steel industry (Earth Metrics, 1989). Rough graphite is typically ground and packaged at a graphite mill; often the more complex formulations are also mixed and packaged at the mill facility. Environmental impacts from graphite mills consist of air pollution including fine particulate exposure of workers and also soil contamination from powder spillages leading to heavy metals contaminations of soil. Dust masks are normally worn by workers during the production process to avoid worker exposure to the fine airborne graphite and zircon silicate.

Media

(video)
[[:Image:|Graphite animation]]

[[Image:]]
Rotating graphite stereogram. (2.79 MB, animated GIF format).



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See also

Notes

  1. Pencil. Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  2. Better Lubricants than Graphite Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  3. Weapons Lubricant in the Desert. Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  4. Good Engineering Practice: Corrosion. Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  5. about.com:tennisWhat is the best material for a tennis racquet?Retrieved November 30, 2007.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Hogan, C. Michael, Marc Papineau, et al. 1989. Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Asbury Graphite Mill, 2426-2500 Kirkham Street, Oakland, California. Earth Metrics report 10292.001.
  • Klein, Cornelis, and Cornelius S. Hurlbut, Jr. 1985. Manual of Mineralogy: after Dana. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc. ISBN 0-471-80580-7
  • Pierson, Hugh O. 1994. Handbook of Carbon, Graphite, Diamond and Fullerenes: Properties, Processing and Applications. Berkshire, UK: Noyes Publications. ISBN 0815513399

External links

All links retrieved July 11, 2017.

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