Graphite Tile

Updated: 2026-07-15

Overview

Graphite tiles are precision-engineered components made from compressed high-purity graphite. Unlike natural graphite flakes, these manufactured tiles offer controlled porosity and uniform physical properties. They belong to the broader category of industrial carbon materials and are valued for their unique combination of thermal, electrical, and mechanical characteristics. The material's layered crystalline structure enables exceptional thermal shock resistance, making it indispensable in applications where metals or ceramics would fail. Modern production techniques allow customization of density (1.5-1.9 g/cm³) and flexural strength (10-50 MPa) to meet specific operational requirements.

Physical and Chemical Properties

Graphite tiles exhibit anisotropic properties due to their hexagonal crystal lattice structure. Along the basal plane, thermal conductivity reaches 150-400 W/m·K, surpassing many metals. However, conductivity perpendicular to the plane is significantly lower (5-10 W/m·K). This directional behavior must be considered during installation. The material maintains stability in inert atmospheres up to 3000°C but oxidizes above 400°C in air. It resists most acids (except strong oxidizers like nitric acid) and molten salts. Typical compressive strength ranges from 50-120 MPa, with hardness measured at 1-2 on the Mohs scale. Electrical resistivity varies from 5-15 μΩ·m depending on graphite grade.

Main Applications

In metallurgy, graphite tiles line continuous casting molds and serve as heating elements in vacuum furnaces. Their thermal stability prevents contamination of molten metals. The semiconductor industry uses ultra-high purity grades (99.999%) for wafer boat components and ion implantation parts. Chemical plants employ them in heat exchangers for corrosive media, while energy systems utilize them in fuel cell bipolar plates. Emerging applications include neutron moderation in nuclear reactors and as crucibles for monocrystalline silicon growth. Recent developments include graphene-coated variants for enhanced oxidation resistance.

Safety and Storage

Primary hazards stem from graphite dust generation during machining. Inhalation may cause pneumoconiosis with prolonged exposure. NFPA-recommended PPE includes N95 respirators, goggles, and gloves when cutting or grinding. Finished tiles pose minimal risk when handled intact. Storage requires protection from moisture (to prevent swelling) and mechanical impacts. Stack height should not exceed manufacturer recommendations to prevent cracking. For critical applications, tiles should be baked at 200°C for 2 hours before use to remove adsorbed gases. Fire suppression systems using CO2 are preferred over water in storage areas.

B2B Procurement Guide

Technical specifications should detail: 1) Ash content (<300 ppm for electronic applications), 2) Particle size (fine grain for precision machining), 3) Dimensional tolerances (±0.1mm for fitted assemblies). ISO 9001-certified suppliers are preferred for consistent quality. Bulk purchases (pallet quantities) typically offer 15-30% cost savings. Lead times range from 4-12 weeks for custom sizes. Consider total cost of ownership—higher purity grades may reduce replacement frequency in aggressive environments. Quality verification should include third-party testing for key parameters like thermal conductivity and impurity levels.