What are the features of graphite?
Graphite is an allotrop of carbon element, which means it is one of a number of different forms of pure element with a unique arrangement of its atoms compared to other forms of carbon. The arrangement of carbon atoms in graphite molecules gives this substance some unique properties. It can be used as a lubricant and has properties that are usually attributed only to metals. In some respects, coal is also similar. Thanks to this unusual combination of characteristics, graphite is suitable for a number of different applications.
The name of the graphite of the substance was created by a German geologist in the 18th century, which adapted the Greek word "graph", which means "write" because of its use in pencils, which is still common to this day. In this application, graphite is often called "lead pencils" or "lead", but it is misleading because it is not at all. Graphite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of pure elemental carbon.
The physical properties of graphite are very similar to coal. Its molecules are arranged in the hexagonal grilles that formRate arrangement of similar leaves. It is this molecular configuration that contributes to the excellent features of graphite as lubricants, both in dry form and in the hanging in the liquid, usually oil. It is one of the softest of all naturally occurring minerals and is easily scratched by nail. It looks like dark, silvery firm.
as coal to which it is chemically identical, graphite is sometimes found in large veins in certain metamorphic rocks or as small scattered flakes in various minerals. However, graphite properties are unsuitable for use as fuel because it is very difficult to burn. Similarly, graphite is chemically very stable and almost inert.
One of the most interesting features of graphite is its conductivity. Graphite performs electricity, which is an unusual for a substance that is not metal, especially because at least one other elementary allotrop carbon, diamond, is not at all conductive and isIn fact, a very good insulator. However, it is not as conductive as metal and is sometimes classified as a semiconductor. Other interesting features of graphite are its strong anisotropic properties of heat and sound lead. This means that it very well done heat and sound in one direction, while so badly in other directions so bad.
Science and industry have found many uses for graphite. In addition to their applications such as pencil fillers and a wide range of high -efficient lubricants, graphite properties are suitable for use in steel production, lightweight weight, high strength composite materials and as part for composite brake pads, among many other uses. Its softness seems to be a special choice for high -strength composites, such as those used in skiing and fishing poles, but while ton is distorting the flat leaves of its molecules, these leaves can be inverted and created into fibers with great force due to strong links between atoms.