Overview
Artificial flake graphite is a synthetic carbon material engineered to replicate the structure of natural flake graphite. Produced through high-temperature treatment of carbon precursors like petroleum coke or pitch, it exhibits a layered hexagonal lattice that delivers exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity. Unlike natural graphite, synthetic variants offer tighter control over purity (up to 99.9% carbon) and particle morphology. This makes them particularly valuable for high-performance applications where consistency is critical. The material is classified by flake size (typically 50–800 microns) and sulfur content (<500 ppm for battery-grade).
Physical and Chemical Properties
The material's layered structure enables easy shear between planes, giving it natural lubricity with a friction coefficient of 0.1–0.2. Its thermal conductivity ranges from 100–400 W/m·K along the basal plane, while electrical resistivity measures 10–50 μΩ·m. Chemically, artificial flake graphite is inert to most acids (except strong oxidizers like HNO₃) and stable up to 500°C in air (higher in inert atmospheres). The synthetic process allows modification of properties – for instance, heat treatment at 2800–3000°C enhances crystallinity for battery applications.
Main Applications
Over 60% of synthetic flake graphite is consumed by lithium-ion battery manufacturers as anode material, where its reversible lithium intercalation capacity (372 mAh/g theoretical) outperforms alternatives. In metallurgy, it serves as recarburizer in steel production and coating for continuous casting molds. The lubricants industry utilizes fine flakes (10–100 μm) in high-temperature greases, while larger flakes (200–800 μm) reinforce refractory bricks for steel ladles. Emerging applications include conductive fillers in polymer composites and thermal interface materials for electronics cooling.
Safety and Storage
While non-toxic, graphite dust poses inhalation risks (TLV 2 mg/m³ respirable dust). Facilities should employ local exhaust ventilation and provide NIOSH-approved N95 masks. Static charges may accumulate during handling; grounded equipment is recommended. Store in sealed containers away from oxidizers. Moisture absorption (<0.5% by weight) can affect performance in sensitive applications like battery anodes. For long-term storage, nitrogen-purged containers preserve material integrity.
B2B Procurement Guide
Key specifications to verify include: carbon content (95–99.9%), median flake size (D50), tap density (0.7–1.2 g/cm³), and BET surface area (1–20 m²/g). Battery-grade material requires <500 ppm sulfur and <100 ppm metal impurities. Supplier audits should confirm ISO 9001 certification and capacity for batch consistency. For large orders (20+ tons), negotiate pricing tiers based on purity levels. Consider regional logistics – Chinese producers dominate supply, but North American alternatives exist for shorter lead times.
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