1. Graphite Materials: MEEN-3344 Materials Science By: Brandon Borowicz

2. History of Graphite: - Naturally discovered around 1565 in Cumberland, Britain - Also can be found naturally in Siberia, Germany & the United States - Was named ‘graphite’ from the Greek word for writing - Synthetically created by Edward G. Acheson E.G. Acheson

3. Graphite Materials Graphite: Is a form of carbon that occurs as a natural mineral and is manufactured synthetically. - Greasy material - Strong conductor of electricity - High strength & chemical stability at elevated temperatures - Low coefficient of thermal expansion and high resistance to thermal shock

4. Properties: Composition Structure: Layers of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms. Forming a HCP crystalline structure. Appearance: Black to gray with a metallic earthly luster. - Each carbon atom is bonded to three other carbon atoms strongly but each layer is held together with a weak bond due to van der Waals

5. Applications: - When mixed with clay & other materials it forms the “lead” in lead pencils - Graphite is used in nuclear reactors to act as a moderator to slow down neutrons - Used in manufacturing as a lubricant to smooth surfaces so that castings can be removed from molds easily - Is also used as to produce numerous objects such as dry lubricants, and paints

6. References: - Fundamentals of Materials Science & Engineering- William D. Callister, Jr. - The Encyclopedia Americana: International Edition - Volume 13 - www.tate.org - www.chemheritage.org