Synthetic graphite industry is likely to surpass USD 9.2 Billion – Why?
It is among the popularly used type of graphite in many industrial applications. And, in this guide, we will look at all fundamental aspects about synthetic graphite.
From properties, grades, manufacturing process, to uses, just to highlight a few.
Let’s dive right in:
What is Artificial Graphite?
Synthetic graphite, also referred to as artificial graphite, is a human-made material derived from carbon containing materials. You obtain it through the process of heat treatment of material that has a high carbon content, such as petroleum coke.
This process leads to the arrangement of carbon atoms in a very ordered manner, making the graphite thermally and electrically conducting.
It has the simplest chemical formula C, which means that the diamond consists of only carbon atoms in hexagonal crystal structure. The overall cost of synthetic graphite fluctuates combined with the individual characteristics of the final product, including purity, and size.
Key Properties of Synthetic Graphite
· Thermal Conductivity
By using synthetic graphite in your application, you enjoy enhanced thermal conductivity that enables heat transfer. This property makes it have the ability to work in very high working temperatures, such as those found in furnaces and heat exchanger applications.
· Electrical Conductivity
The electrical conductivity of synthetic graphite makes it ideal for use in industries such as electronics and battery manufacturing due to its ability to improve performance and productivity.
· Chemical Resistance
Synthetic graphite has a commendable resistance to chemical reactions, which makes it ideal for corrosive places within chemical processing industries.
· Lubricity
Synthetic graphite gives natural lubricating properties that help you cut down on friction in most mechanical applications like bearings and seals.
Synthetic Graphite Manufacturing Process
· Raw Material Selection
The initial step for synthetic graphite is the choice of feedstock, which should be rich in carbon content.
Primary synthetic graphite uses petroleum coke or pitch-based carbon. On the other hand, secondary synthetic graphite the production uses recycled scrap graphite from other manufacturing processes. In both cases, the carbon source selected is extremely pure and has to be stable at high temperatures.
You aim at managing the properties of the material that you are using in order to get a constant end product. Choosing the correct type of raw materials lays the groundwork for the high conductivity, durability, and other desirable characteristics of synthetic graphite.
This step is important in the process of manufacturing synthetic graphite in a cost-effective way.
· Baking Process
In the next step of synthetic graphite production, you expose the raw material to heat treatment at a temperature of around 1000 °C. To achieve this, you remove the flammable pieces so that the residual carbon atoms in the structure become compact and crystalline.
Remember, the process is significant for primary synthesis of synthetic graphite and synthesis of synthetic graphite from other graphite products.
You see to it that the material becomes rigid but at the same time is able to withstand a particular force. The baking process is crucial because it gets the carbon material ready for the high-temperature graphitization process. This gives synthetic graphite its essential features, such as strength and conductivity.
· Graphitization
You attain the final structure of synthetic graphite in a process known as graphitization. In this step, they bake the carbon material and then heat it again at higher temperatures of about 2500 to 3000 °C. At these temperature ranges, the carbon atoms rearrange themselves in a pattern that is typical of graphite.
In the case of primary synthetic graphite and secondary synthetic graphite, this process converts the material into a high-conductivity form. The high temperature allows you to form the required graphite lattice, which improves the material’s thermal and electrical conductivity. These features are crucial in understanding how synthetic graphite is manufactured for practical use.
· Purification and Finishing
Then, unlike the natural graphite, you continue the process to purify the synthetic graphite used in the manufacture of graphite electrodes. This makes it possible to attain the customer standards of the material considering its usage, such as electronics, batteries, and high temperature usage.
Remember, the degrees of purity can be attained employing chemical and/or thermal purification methods.
For secondary synthetic graphite, it is important to eliminate all impurities from the recycled materials before proceeding to this step. The final process used in the manufacture of graphite may also involve the shaping of the graphite for particular applications or coating it. By ensuring high purity, you make certain that synthetic graphite will perform and last as it should in various competitive applications.
Grades of Synthetic Graphite
1. Primary Synthetic Graphite
You make primary synthetic graphite out of virgin carbonaceous feedstocks such as petroleum coke or pitch and go through high-temperature graphitization. It possesses good thermal and electrical conductivity. Besides it is widely used within the electronics, battery, and metallurgical industries.
Because primary synthetic graphite is formed directly from the raw materials, it contains fewer impurities and exhibits much more consistent properties.
You can use this graphite grade whenever you are working on a project that demands high-quality heat resistance, conductivity, and durability of material needed.
2. Secondary synthetic graphite
Secondary synthetic graphite is produced from graphite residues obtained from other processes like electrode preparation or mechanical working.
It has similar characteristics to the primary synthetic graphite, including electrical and thermal conductivity. However, it may have lower purity as a result of recycling.
Secondary synthetic graphite is cheap, thus ideal for uses where specialized purity isn’t mandatory. Such uses may include lubricants, refractions, or inferiority conducting materials. By sourcing secondary graphite, you are helping to reuse waste graphite, hence reducing the environmental footprint.
What is the Synthetic Graphite Cost?
Synthetic graphite prices will vary based on:
- Purity
- Grade of graphite
- Particle size
- Particular needs of an industry
The normal average cost of synthetic graphite costs between $2,000 and $20,000 per metric ton. For instance, the synthetic graphite with a higher purity, which is used in specific areas like batteries or high-performance electrodes, is costly.
The synthetic graphite also has periodic trends to rise or fall depending on market demands. Some of these demands may include car manufacture, steel manufacturing, and energy storage industries.
Other characteristics, such as the size and the shape, also affect the price. So it is better to consult the suppliers regarding the exact prices according to your requirements of the project.
Uses of Synthetic Graphite
· Synthetic Graphite Anode
You employ synthetic graphite anodes in batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, because of their high electrical conductivity as well as cycle life. This material also has the ability of storing and releasing energy, which is beneficial for products like electric cars and portable devices.
· Synthetic Graphite Electrodes
In electric arc furnaces for steel making, you depend on synthetic graphite electrodes. Such electrodes are much more resistant to heat and have enhanced electrical conductivity that makes them suitable in the melting process.
· Electrolytic Process
In the electrolytic process, synthetic graphite is used because it has conducting properties to enable smooth electrochemical processes, hence does not react. It is usually used in operations such as the refining of aluminum or in any processes that require both stability and conductivity.
· Synthetic Graphite Sheets
In electronics, you use synthetic graphite sheets for heat dissipation. These graphite sheets also dissipate heat. As a result, protecting delicate structures and components in gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., boosting optimal usage and durability.
· Synthetic Graphite Powder
In one way or another, graphite powder can be used for many uses. It finds application in working fluids, coatings, and inks, and more notably in the manufacturing of lubricants, conductive coatings, and paints.
Due to its fine particle size and conductivity, it is ideal for improving electrical and thermal conductivity in any product.
· Conductive Fillers
Synthetic graphite is used as a conductive filler in plastics and rubber products you include. This enhances the electrical conductivity of the material and can be used in applications such as EMI shielding in electronics.
· Synthetic Graphite for Lithium Batteries
In lithium batteries, you use synthetic graphite as an anode material since it offers easy accessibility and storage/release of lithium ions. This results in longer cycles and better operating performance, especially in areas like EVs and energy storage.
· Friction Material
Synthetic graphite is used as the filler in friction products such as brake pads and clutches. It is self-lubricating. This helps to decrease the amount of wear and tear on the brake and also helps it to provide good braking in high temperatures.
· Foundry Shops
In foundry shops, you employ synthetic graphite for insulation and for its characteristics of not expanding on being heated. It facilitates the casting process and ensures the formation of exact molds and parts during metal casting, especially forging of steel and iron.
· Fuel Cell Bipolar Plates
You use synthetic graphite for applications in bipolar plates for fuel cells because of its conductivity and corrosion tendencies. These plates are used to form the fuel cells and facilitate energy conversion in power systems that are based on hydrogen.
· Rubber and Plastic Compounds
In rubber and plastic compounds, you utilize synthetic graphite as an additive to enable properties such as thermal conductivity, strength, and flexibility, among others. This makes the material stronger and more useful for demanding industrial applications or uses such as seals, gaskets, and insulating material.
Why East Carb can be Your Best Company for Synthetic Graphite
East Carbon can be your go-to supplier for synthetic graphite because of its advanced industry experience, premium-quality products, and relentless pursuit of progress.
Since the company specializes in synthetic graphite production, East Carbon has a great number of graphite types for primary and secondary uses for various industries. Their sophisticated processing technologies guarantee that you acquire commodities with exemplary electrical and thermal conductivity suitable for application in batteries, electrodes, and foundry uses.
East Carbon is customer-oriented and guarantees quality work, offering effective solutions to improve your project’s outcomes. For any for inquiries contact us now.
FAQs
1. Is Graphite Natural or Synthetic?
Graphite can be either naturally occurring or man-made. Natural graphite is extracted out of the ground, while synthetic graphite is produced from carbon-containing substances through a process involving high temperatures. Both have unique characteristics and find use in different manufacturing industries.
2. How does Natural Graphite vs. Synthetic Graphite Compare?
Natural graphite is generally cheaper, but it does not possess a high level of purity and uniformity. The costs of synthetic graphite are higher.
However, it provides high purity, electrical conductivity, and ease of performance regulation to make it appropriate for high-performance.
3. What is Synthetic Graphite made of?
Synthetic graphite is derived from carbon-containing components like pitch coke or coal tar. These materials are exposed to high temperatures known as graphitization, which tends to place the carbon atoms in a crystalline graphite array.
4. How Big is the Synthetic Graphite Market?
The synthetic graphite market is expanding due to sectors like electric vehicle manufacturing, energy storage, and steelmaking. By 2028 the market volume is expected to be a few billion dollars, due to the constantly growing demand for high-performance batteries and conductive materials.
5. What is the Synthetic Graphite Price per Ton?
The cost of synthetic graphite per ton depends on the purity of the graphite, the particle size, and market conditions. Average costs average around $2,000 to $20,000 per ton, with high-purity synthetic graphite prices on the higher end of the scale.
6. What is the HS Code of Synthetic Graphite Powder?
The HS code number assigned for synthetic graphite powder is 38011000. It is used for customs purposes and international trading so that it can easily distinguish synthetic graphite products in the international market.
7. Why the CE Certification for Synthetic Graphite Needed in the EU?
CE accreditation guarantees that synthetic graphite products meet EU safety, health, and the environment acts. Besides, if you intend to sell or use synthetic graphite in the European Union, this certification is a must because it proves that all the necessary regulations have been met.
Conclusion
Synthetic graphite exhibits improved characteristics across different sectors. Thanks to its excellent electrical conductivity, purity, and resistance to corrosion, it continues to be an essential material for modern applications.
