Graphite
made for 
big things

Carbon brushes rely on graphite as their main component as it is known for its excellent electrical conductivity and its smooth gliding characteristics. These properties make it ideal for use in electric motors and generators where they transfer current efficiently between rotating and fixed components. The graphite component reduces wear and tear and substantially extends the service life of the brushes.

Graphite is a key element in modern batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries. Thanks to its excellent electrical conductivity and stable structure, it is frequently used as an anode material, while in nearly every battery it serves as a conductivity additive. Graphite is seen as the preferred material thanks to its low cost, excellent cycle stability and high availability.

In powder metallurgy, graphite finds use as a valuable auxiliary material to facilitate the forming process and improve material density. By reducing friction in the press and increasing the hardness and wear resistance of metal components, graphite makes a decisive contribution towards optimizing manufacturing processes and material quality.

Graphite is used as a lubricant in the forging industry to minimize the friction between tools and the metal to be processed. This facilitates the processing of metal, while at the same time protecting tools from rapid wear, resulting in more efficient processing and a longer service life for the tools.
 

Graphite is frequently deployed in gaskets and seals, exhibiting excellent characteristics with in terms of temperature stability, chemical resistance and adaptability to uneven surfaces. These characteristics make graphite seals especially suitable for demanding environments, as they are capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and aggressive chemicals and guaranteeing a reliable seal.

Graphite is utilized in brake pads and friction linings to enhance their performance and durability. It reduces the friction between components, which ensures an even braking effect and less wear and tear. Graphite also helps to dissipate heat, thereby preventing the brake pads from overheating and extending their service lives.

Graphite is involved in various industrial composites to enhance their performance and durability. Thanks to its high conductivity, heat resistance and strength, graphite improves the mechanical properties of composite materials such as plastics and metals. It helps to reduce weight, while at the same time boosting the strength and resistance of materials.

The addition of graphite to plastics substantially enhances their electrical and thermal conductivity. Graphite particles enable these plastics to conduct electricity efficiently, making them ideal for electronic applications. The high stability and heat resistance of graphite also help to make the plastics more durable.

Graphite is used in adhesives to optimize their electrical conductivity and stability. It increases the conductivity of the adhesives, thereby making them suitable for electronic applications and cabling. Graphite also supports the dissipation of heat which improves the performance and durability of the adhesives at high temperatures.

In the construction industry, graphite plays an important role as a flame retardant. At high temperatures, graphite expands and forms an insulating layer which slows the spread of flames. This property makes graphite particularly valuable in fireproof building materials and seals, as it helps to preserve the structural integrity of buildings in the event of fire.

In the construction industry, graphite is utilized as an additive in insulating materials such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) to improve its thermal insulation properties. Graphite facilitates more effective heat reflection, thereby raising the energy efficiency of buildings. This leads to thinner insulation layers with the same or improved insulating effect as a result of which energy consumption is lowered and environmental protection enhanced.

Graphite is deployed in the construction industry for electromagnetic shielding, thanks to its excellent conductive characteristics. Its structure allows electromagnetic waves to be absorbed and reflected, thereby reducing malfunctions in sensitive electronic equipment. Paints containing graphite can be applied to various surfaces in order to provide effective shielding against electromagnetic fields.

Geothermal grout in the construction industry is optimized by the addition of graphite in order to improve the thermal conductivity of geothermal probes. Graphite increases the thermal conductivity of the grout, which facilitates the more efficient use of geothermal energy. As a result, heat is transferred from the ground to the probes more efficiently, contributing to improved energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry.

Bituminous roofing membranes benefit from the addition of graphite as it boosts their thermal conductivity and fire resistance. This increases the durability and safety of roofing membranes and contributes to UV stability, thereby extending their service life. The inclusion of graphite in bituminous roofing membranes substantially improves its protection, energy efficiency and durability.

The functionality of plasterboard can be extended by the addition of graphite. Graphite improves boards’ thermal conductivity and contributes to effective thermal diffusivity. In addition, graphite increases electromagnetic shielding, making plasterboard ideal for modern, technologically advanced buildings. The integration of graphite results in more energy-efficient and technologically more sophisticated construction projects.

The graphite in pencils is crucial for achieving a balance between hardness and shading. Mixed with clay, graphite enables various degrees of hardness ranging from softer, darker lines to harder, lighter ones. This blend ensures a variety of writing styles and qualities in pencils.

Graphite is valued in foundries thanks to its outstanding heat resistance and friction reduction properties. Frequently used in molds and crucibles, graphite helps to conduct heat efficiently and guarantee even temperature diffusivity. Its low adhesion to molten metals improves the quality of the cast parts.

Graphite crucibles are indispensable in metallurgy and glass manufacture due to their high temperature resistance and chemical stability at extreme temperatures. These crucibles can withstand temperatures of over 3000°C, and they are ideal for smelting and casting metals such as iron, steel and precious metals. Their outstanding thermal conductivity and low reactivity guarantee the purity of molten substances and make them reusable.

Graphite is traditionally used as a flame retardant due to the fact that it is able to dissipate high temperatures efficiently and does not disintegrate in extreme conditions. Its stable structure consisting of carbon layers offers outstanding heat resistance, making it ideal for refractory coatings and materials. In practice, graphite is deployed in coatings, fillers and fire-resistant building elements in order to increase their resistance to heat and flames. These properties make graphite a valuable material for high-temperature applications.