Graphite MaterialsGraphite Materials

DefinitionDefinition Graphite is an Graphite is an

allotropic form of allotropic form of carbon, carbon,

known as plumbago known as plumbago and black lead, and black lead,

dark gray, dark gray, Crystalline - HCPCrystalline - HCP Greasy,Greasy, Soft, with a metallic Soft, with a metallic

luster,luster, Good conductor of Good conductor of

electricity,electricity, Does not burn easilyDoes not burn easily

HistoryHistory

Graphite was discovered around Graphite was discovered around the mid 1500’s.the mid 1500’s.

Synthetic graphite was made by Synthetic graphite was made by E.G. Ancheson.E.G. Ancheson.

Natural graphite was discovered Natural graphite was discovered by Mr. Stephen Riddle.by Mr. Stephen Riddle.

Today both natural and synthetic Today both natural and synthetic graphite are a great benefit for graphite are a great benefit for today’s society.today’s society.

Composition of GraphiteComposition of Graphite Graphite consist of Graphite consist of

carbon atoms, which carbon atoms, which form sheets of linked form sheets of linked hexagons.hexagons.

Each carbon atom Each carbon atom within a sheet forms within a sheet forms strong bonds to three strong bonds to three other carbon atoms, but other carbon atoms, but the stacked sheets are the stacked sheets are only held together by only held together by weak bonds.weak bonds.

Graphite is know as Graphite is know as black lead, when mix black lead, when mix with clay it forms the with clay it forms the “lead” pencils.“lead” pencils.

ApplicationsApplications

PencilsPencils Dry LubricantsDry Lubricants PaintsPaints Golf ClubGolf Club Foundry FacingsFoundry Facings Grate PolishGrate Polish