Overview
Amorphous graphite flakes are a naturally occurring carbon mineral characterized by their non-layered, microcrystalline structure. Unlike flake or vein graphite, they lack visible crystalline planes, resulting in a powdery or earthy texture. This form of graphite is mined from metamorphic rocks and is distinguished by its lower purity (60–85% carbon) compared to other graphite types. Primarily sourced from China, Mexico, and Austria, amorphous graphite is cost-effective for industrial applications where high crystallinity is unnecessary. Its unique properties stem from its disordered atomic arrangement, which balances performance and affordability in bulk applications such as refractories and lubricants.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Amorphous graphite exhibits a dull metallic luster and soft, greasy feel due to its carbon layers sliding easily. It has a density of 1.8–2.2 g/cm³ and sublimes at extreme temperatures (3650–3670°C) without melting. Its thermal conductivity ranges from 25–50 W/m·K, while electrical resistivity varies with purity (500–1500 μΩ·m). Chemically, it is inert to most acids, alkalis, and solvents but oxidizes slowly in air above 500°C. The material’s lubricity arises from weak van der Waals forces between carbon layers, making it useful in friction-reduction applications. Particle sizes typically range from 1–100 microns, with finer grades offering better dispersion in composites.
Main Applications
The largest use of amorphous graphite is in refractories (50% of demand), where it enhances thermal shock resistance in steel ladles and furnace linings. In foundries, it serves as a mold-facing compound to improve metal flow and surface finish. The automotive industry relies on it for brake linings and clutch materials due to its heat dissipation and wear resistance. Other applications include lubricant additives, battery anodes (lower-grade), and pencil cores (mixed with clay). Its affordability also makes it a filler in plastics and rubber to improve conductivity. Recent research explores its potential in graphene production via exfoliation methods, though purity limitations remain a challenge.
Safety and Storage
Amorphous graphite poses moderate health risks as airborne dust can cause respiratory tract irritation or pneumoconiosis with prolonged exposure. OSHA recommends a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 15 mg/m³ for total dust. Workers should use NIOSH-approved respirators, gloves, and eye protection when handling fine powders. Store the material in sealed containers away from strong oxidizers (e.g., chlorates, nitrates) to prevent combustion hazards. Although non-flammable, graphite dust can form explosive mixtures in air at concentrations above 100 g/m³. Facilities must ensure grounding during transfer to avoid static-induced dust ignition. Spills should be cleaned with vacuum systems to minimize airborne particles.
B2B Procurement Guide
Industrial buyers should prioritize suppliers offering consistent carbon content (specify 70%, 80%, or 85% grades) and low moisture (<2%). Particle size distribution (e.g., -100 mesh or -325 mesh) must align with application needs—finer powders suit lubricants, while coarser grades work for refractories. Pricing depends on purity, with 80% carbon grades averaging $800/ton. Request certificates of analysis (CoA) for ash content, sulfur, and heavy metals. For large orders, negotiate bulk discounts or FOB terms. Key producers include Heilongjiang Aoyu Graphite (China) and Nacional de Grafite (Brazil). Consider logistics: bagged (25–50 kg) or bulk shipments for cost efficiency. Monitor graphite tariffs and export policies in producing regions.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：[]
- 主营：鹅卵石、水洗石、荧光石、石墨粉、石英砂、金刚砂、滑石粉、火山石、砾石、石子、白沙子
- 主营：石英砂、麦饭石、无烟煤滤料、鹅卵石、石灰石、粉煤灰、蛭石、过滤滤材、火山石、叶腊石
- 主营：超细硅酸铝粉、滑石粉、彩砂、硅藻土、膨润土、高岭土、石墨、凹凸棒土、玻璃鳞片、陶土、铝矾土、透明粉、白炭黑、金刚砂、海泡石、木粉、轻钙、重钙、玻璃粉、贝壳粉、火山岩、电气石粉、合成云母、赤铁粉
- 主营：蛭石、海泡石、矿物纤维、石墨颗粒、防火涂料、漂珠、石油焦、云母粉、火山球、重钙、滑石粉、轮胎粉、钾长石、叶腊石、氧化铝、碳酸钙
- 主营：滑石粉、电气石、石英砂、石墨粉、膨润土、高岭土、硅藻土、金刚砂、氧化铁、陶瓷球、矿化球、云母、氧化铁颜料、托玛琳球、防火涂料、岩片、仿瓷沙、纤维、火山石、铁粉、钙粉、远红外粉、玻璃微珠、夜光石、雨花石
- 主营：贝壳粉、过滤水、托玛琳、烧高岭土、火山石、塑料pvc、汗蒸房、陶瓷粉、轻钙粉、水性涂料、造纸涂料、陶瓷玻璃、陶瓷涂料、美甲超白、打磨去锈、多肉种植、陶瓷胚料、研磨材料、净水滤料、耐火材料、稳定水质、鱼池过滤、白色纳米、吸附甲醛、复合肥料
- 主营：珍珠岩、夜光石、海泡石、硅藻土、火山石、云母粉、生石灰、彩砂、萤石粉、漂珠、铁粉、石英砂、蛭石、石棉绒、麦饭石球、复合岩片、生物质颗粒、配重铁砂、麦饭石、萤石矿、白沙子、发光石、夜光粉、重晶石粉
- 主营：润滑剂、耐火泥造纸、合成氟金云母粉、石墨粉、超细石墨粉、阻燃石墨、超细石墨、高纯石墨、煅烧高岭土、润滑石墨铅粉、高岭土、导电石墨粉、耐高温石墨粉、种子包衣粉、麦饭石粉、白色电气石粉、远红外粉、云母片、天然云母片、耐高温云母片、透明云母片、云母板、沸石、沸石粉、麦饭石颗粒
- 主营：鱼缸砂、夜光石、路面石、土状石墨生产厂家、火山石、鹅卵石、雨花石、洗米石、水洗石、机制石子、水磨石子、胶粘石、石英砂、烘干砂、保温砂、砂浆砂、金刚砂、白沙子、蛭石、荧光粉、天然彩砂、染色彩砂、金刚砂地坪料、透水石子、水刷石石子
- 主营：防静电墨粉、云母、云母片、石墨、膨胀石墨、导电石墨粉、阻燃石墨粉、鳞片石墨粉、超细石墨粉、导热石墨、膨润土、钙基膨润土、纳基膨润土、茶色云母片、云母粉、电气石、电气石粉、电气石颗粒、天然云母片、透明云母片、绝缘云母片、耐高温云母、云母板、岩片、贝壳片
- 主营：鹅卵石、雨花石、夜光石、膨润土、高岭土、水洗石、彩色石子、火山岩、烘干砂、石英砂、金刚砂、彩砂、鹅卵石切片、蘑菇石、面包石、微硅粉、硅微粉、重钙粉、白云石粉、火山石粉、轻钙粉、滑石粉、硅酸铝粉、矿粉、粉煤灰
- 主营：滑石粉、重钙粉、石英砂、雪花白砂
- 主营：氧化铁颜料、沸石粉、铁砂、高岭土、电气石粉、氧化铁棕、除渣剂、橡胶粉、氧化铁灰、四氧化三铁、玻璃粉、磁粉、氧化铁黑、滑石粉、减水剂、碳酸钙、萤石粉、红色颜料、氧化铁黄、硅微粉、耐火材料、氧化铁红、伊利石粉、氟化钙粉、贝壳粉
- 主营：玻璃粉、火山石粉、云母粉、铝矾土、煅烧高岭土、玻璃鳞片、云母片、电气石粉、陶瓷砂、石英粉、莫来石粉、硅酸铝粉、轻钙粉、珍珠岩颗粒、透明粉、重钙粉、蛭石、煅烧贝壳粉、硅灰石粉、高硅滑石粉、低硅滑石粉、全加密硅灰、半加密硅灰
- 主营：石墨、石墨颗粒、石墨粉、石油焦、碳素、冶金焦