The Types of Graphite Blocks

For meeting specific manufacturing and industrial application requirements, graphite blocks are available in various types. According to the grain structure of the blocks, the primary classification of graphite blocks can be known as fine, medium or coarse. Also, depending on the purity, crystalline and specific properties, graphite blocks can be divided into different types.

 

Pyrolytic graphite blocks are produced via the process of decomposition of hydrocarbon gas, normally methane, in a vacuum furnace to increase its purity. This manufacturing process is time-consuming. In the process of production, methane or hydrocarbon gas will be heated above 2000 degrees with low pressure so that the graphite comes out with the feature of non-porous and easily machine its surface. After microcrystalline graphite is composed, it can form a dense aggregate of tiny natural graphite crystals with steel-grey color and shiny metallic appearance. However, amorphous graphite just as the same as its name, soft to the touch. Regarding chemical stability, thermal, high temperature resistance and electrical conductivity, amorphous graphite has great performance. Those features can fit well with casting, coating, batteries, and carbon products. Different from the above two graphite blocks, flake graphite blocks are derived from natural graphite directly. This type of block has a layered structure where carbon atoms are arranged in a hexagonal lattice, with each layer consisting of carbon atoms. The layers are loosely bonded together, so make the blocks come with a flaky nature. One more common graphite block is called isotropic graphite or synthetic graphite. It is made from petroleum coke and widely utilized in energy storage applications, like solar industry. One main application of synthetic graphite blocks is steel furnaces and aluminum smelters. It works for driving turbines, where the infrared radiation they emit is converted into electricity. Xinhui Carbon is a specialist in the production of synthetic carbon products, such as graphite rods and graphite blocks. Due to the products coming out from our factories directly, we can provide you with excellent quality products at favorable prices.