Synthetic graphite is a manufactured product made by high-temperature treatment of amorphous carbon materials. In the United States, the primary feedstock used for making synthetic graphite is calcined petroleum coke and coal tar pitch, both of which are composed of highly graphitizable forms of carbon.
Synthetic graphite is used in many applications including but not limited to friction, foundry, electrical carbons, fuel cell bi-polar plates, coatings, electrolytic processes, corrosion products, conductive fillers, rubber and plastic compounds, and drilling applications.
Here we provide two detailed technical presentations on synthetic graphite. The first includes a brief history and introduction to synthetic graphite, as well as information on how synthetic graphite is manufactured.
The second presentation covers a more advanced topic: The Morphology of Synthetic Graphite. The morphology of most synthetic graphite varies from flakey in fine powders to irregular grains and needles in coarser products. Included in this technical presentation are electron scanning micrographs of the morphology of graphitizable calcined petroleum coke materials, highly crystalline, naturally occurring flake graphite, and finely ground synthetic graphite.
Synthetic Graphite Part I – Introduction to synthetic graphite ~576 KB
Synthetic Graphite Part II – Advanced Topics Morphology ~2592 KB
