Share this page by mail Can graphite resist to the same temperatures when in air, in a vacuum or in an inert atmosphere?
Graphite can withstand different temperatures depending on the atmosphere in which it is used. Its working environment directly affects its thermal performances.
In a vacuum or an inert atmosphere, graphite can withstand extremely high temperatures, even above 2,000°C. If oxygen is not present, the material retains excellent thermal and structural stability.
In air or an oxidising atmosphere, however, the maximum working temperature is lower. At around 400 to 500°C and above; graphite starts to oxidise gradually on contact with oxygen, leading to a degradation of its properties and loss of material.
Choosing the right graphite grade and considering the atmospheric conditions in which the graphite will be used is absolutely necessary to obtain the performance and lifetime needed for a given application.
The Final Advanced Materials team is at your disposal to help you choose the most suitable graphite solution based on your thermal and environmental constraints.
Due to its layered crystalline structure, graphite has excellent electrical and thermal conductivity properties.
This organisation facilitates the movement of electrons and the propagation of heat within the material.
However, graphite also has anisotropic properties: its conductivity varies depending on the direction of the crystalline layers. Conductivity is thus higher in the direction parallel to the layers than in the direction perpendicular to them.
Parameters such as the graphite's purity and density also influence its electrical and thermal characteristics. All these characteristics therefore determine the level of conductivity of the material.
Despite these variations graphite remains an excellent thermal and electrical conductor, which is particularly suited to many demanding industrial environments.
The Final Advanced Materials team is at your disposal to help you choose the most suitable graphite for your technical requirements.
To select the best graphite grade for your application, several parameters must be taken into account:
• What is the working temperature?
• What are the applied mechanical stresses?
• What level of thermal or electrical conductivity is needed?
• What are the wear and friction conditions?
• What is the operational chemical environment?
Analysing these various parameters will help you determine which graphite grade will be most effective and best suited to your technical constraints .
The Final Advanced Materials team is at your disposal to assist you with this analysis, and help you assess graphite solution is best suited for your application.
Graphite is an excellent solution for aggressive chemical environments.
Due to its great chemical stability, it resists most acids and bases, including at high concentrations.
Unlike metals, graphite does not rust and does not dissolve in most corrosive environments, making it a material which is particularly suitable for demanding applications.
However, there are certain limitations which be taken into account. In the presence of oxygen and high temperature, graphite is subject to oxidisation which can impair its properties. In addition, in fluorinated environments, in particular in the presence of hydrofluoric acid, a direct chemical reaction with carbon can occur.
The choice of graphite and working conditions therefore depends on the application's chemical and thermal environment.
The Final Advanced Materials team is at your disposal to help you choose the best graphite for your technical requirements.
A graphite-loaded cement is a particularly suitable solution for repairing graphite parts.
Its chemical compatibility with the material, along with its thermal expansion and electrical conductivity, which are similar to those of graphite, make it a preferred solution for this type of application.
Ceramic-loaded cements are particularly recommended for localised repairs which do not require high a mechanical strength.
The Final Advanced Materials team is at your disposal to help you choose the best solution for your technical constraints.