Graphite is composed of pure carbon and is the most stable form of carbon under standard conditions. It also may be considered the highest possible grade of coal, and in this context, it may be referred to as meta-anthracite. Graphite was first used in writing, and its name comes from the Greek word "graphein" meaning "to write." Graphite also has a variety of applications due its specific physical properties, such as its extreme softness and ability to conduct electricity.
Instructions
1. Use graphite in refractories. This use of graphite began in the 19th century, and crucibles remained a major use of graphite until the 1980s. Graphite currently is used in refractories in the form of alumina-graphite, which has a very high tolerance for heat.
2. Make steel with graphite. Carbon is added to iron in the form of graphite to make steel. It also is used to lubricate the dies that extrude the steel. Graphite is still a major part of steelmaking, although it competes with other sources of carbon such as coke and synthetic graphite.
3. Produce expanded graphite. This form of graphite is made by bathing graphite in chromic acid and then sulfuric acid. Expanded graphite is used commonly as an insulator to decrease the heat loss from molten metal or hot steel ingots.
4. Manufacture superconductors with graphite. Metal atoms or small molecules can be interspersed between layers of graphite. These structures are known as intercalation compounds, and potassium graphite is a superconducting intercalation compound.
5. Make brake linings from graphite. Graphite began to replace asbestos in heavy vehicles once the health risks of asbestos became known. Synthetic organic compounds now have started to replace this use of graphite.
