Researchers using electron-beam lithography to micro-fabricate graphene devices.

Graphene nanofabric. Strongly crumpled graphene sheet on a Silicon (Si) wafer. Lateral size of image is 20 microns. The Si wafer can be seen at the bottom right corner.

What is graphite?

Graphite and diamonds are the only two naturally formed polymers of carbon. Graphite is essentially a two dimensional, planar crystal structure whereas diamonds are a three dimensional structure.

Graphite is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity and has the highest natural strength and stiffness of any material. It maintains its strength and stability to temperatures in excess of 3,600°C and is is uniquely resistant to chemical attack. At the same time it is one of the lightest of all reinforcing agents and has high natural lubricity.

What is graphite used for?

Traditional demand for graphite is largely tied to the steel industry where it is used as a liner for ladles and crucibles, as a component in bricks which line furnaces (“refractories”), and as an agent to increase the carbon content of steel. In the automotive industry it is used in brake linings, gaskets and clutch materials. Graphite also has a myriad of other uses in batteries, lubricants, fire retardants, and reinforcements in plastics.

Industrial demand for graphite has been growing at about 5 per cent per annum for most of this decade due to the ongoing industrialization on China, India and other emerging economies.

However, the future of the graphite industry is largely driven by the incremental demand that is now rapidly created by a number of green initiatives including Li ion batteries, fuel cells, solar energy, semiconductors, and nuclear energy. Many of these applications have the potential to consume more graphite that all current uses combined.

Useful information, links, etc.

Graphene is a product derived entirely from Natural Flake Graphite for future applications within the electronics industry, medical device industry and more. To view short film introducing it - click here: Introducing GRAPHENE

April 2012: Scientists at Rice University has invented a carbon nanotube sponge material constructed from Flake Graphite - uniquely suited for Environmental Cleanup of Oil Spills. The nanosponge can absorb 100 times its weight in Oil, see ENVIRONMENTAL cleanup

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