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Graphite, or black as it is commonly referred to, is one of the most common elements found on Earth. It is a form of carbon which is naturally occurring, and is widely used in a variety of industries due to its electrical, thermal and physical properties. It is also a very strong, lightweight material which makes it ideal for use in many applications.
Graphite has two allotropes, flake and crystalline. Flake graphite is typically mined underground, and is composed of large, discrete platy flake particles. It is naturally porous, and its structure makes it susceptible to damage from water, temperature, corrosion and other stresses.
Crystalline graphite, on the other hand, is typically found in nature as microscopic particles. It is usually referred to as “crystalline” because it is composed of crystallites that form in a hexagonal or rhombohedral lattice arrangement. This crystalline structure gives it superior flexibility and strength, as well as improved machinability compared to flake graphite.
The structure of crystalline graphite is key to why it is used in a variety of industries. This hexagonal shape allows for ions like lithium to enter and exist in the lattice structure, giving the material excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. Due to its unique ability to store charge, this attribute makes it a great choice for use in batteries. Its strength and rigidity allow for superior machinability and explosivity resistant properties, making it suitable for use in some types of spacecraft, armor plating and projectile components. Additionally, its low coefficient of friction makes it perfect for bearings and sliding systems.
Due to its versatility, crystalline graphite is also used in numerous other ways. It can be used as a lubricant, to add stiffness and durability to composite materials, or to reduce friction in automotive brakes, clutches, and other components. Furthermore, it can improve vacuum performance in industrial sputtering systems and electronic component manufacturing processes.
In the end, crystalline graphite is a remarkable material which provides a wide range of benefits. Whether used in automotive brakes, batteries, spacecraft components or other applications, graphite provides a unique set of properties which make it an ideal material for a variety of situations. Its unique hexagonal crystalline shape is what gives it these superior qualities, and makes it a key component in numerous industries.
