Natural Graphite Powder, GRPM5

GRPM5 is a microcrystalline natural graphite flake, highly suitable for powder metallurgy and powder alloy applications. This superfine graphite flake with particles of about 5 microns offers a multitude of benefits in manufacturing products using metal powders such as Iron Powders, Copper Powders and copper alloy powders.

Applications of Microcrystalline Graphite Flakes

Graphite powder is an essential additive in powder metallurgy. Graphite is the primary carbon source used when making steel parts from iron powder.

Why is graphite added to iron powder?

1) Graphite is added to iron powder in order to produce steel during sintering process.

Iron + Carbon => Steel

Instead of melting steel, manufacturers mix Iron powder, small amount of graphite powder, and other possible lubricants or binders. Then press the mixed powders into a shape and finally apply high heat to sinter.

Carbon diffuses into iron → becomes steel

Benefits:

  • Produces strong steel parts without melting
  • Precise carbon control
  • Lower cost manufacturing

This method is used to produce gears, bushings, automotive parts, tools

2) Graphite is a solid Lubricant (Works Even at High Temperatures)

Graphite’s layered crystal structure lets layers slide easily. It is used to lubricate metal powders during:

  • Pressing in dies
  • Metal forming
  • Machining
  • High-temperature operations
  • Situations where oil cannot be used

Advantages of Graphite:

  • Works without liquid lubricants
  • Stable at high temperatures
  • Chemically inert
  • Reduces tool wear

3) Graphite is an Electrical & Thermal Conductivity Additive

Graphite conducts electricity and heat well (though less than copper).

Combined with metal powders to create:

  • Conductive pastes
  • EMI shielding materials
  • Battery components
  • Electrical contacts
  • Heating elements

4) Graphite as Reducing Agent & Metallurgical Processing Aid

Graphite (carbon) can remove oxygen from metal oxides at high temperature.

Used in:

  • Sintering atmospheres
  • Metal refining
  • Foundry operations
  • Carbothermic reactions

5) Graphite Improves Machinability of Sintered Parts

Graphite in steel forms structures that:

  • Reduce cutting forces
  • Improve wear resistance
  • Enhance self-lubricating behavior

This is why sintered iron-carbon parts are common in machinery.

6) Related Applications with Copper Powders

Graphite is used with copper powders in:

  • Electrical brushes (motors, generators)
  • Conductive composites
  • Sliding electrical contacts
  • Thermal management materials

Example: Carbon-copper brushes in motors.

Some of the main applications of GRPM5 include:

Powder Metallurgy

Graphite powder plays an important role in the field of powder metallurgy. Addition of graphite in the metal powder mix contributes to the hardness of the sintered product and its dimensional stability. It also enhances the compactibility and lubricity of the powder that will result a less pores and a stronger product.

Forge industry
A proper lubricant is necessary for making good forgings. The lubricant is useful in preventing sticking of the work piece to the die, and also acts as a thermal insulator to help reduce die wear. In addition to being a good lubricant, graphite powder also helps eliminating porosity, voids, inclusions and other defects.

Lubricant
Graphite powder is a high efficiency dry lubricant. It is also used in production of lubricant oils, greases and pastes. In latter cases the graphite powder is simply added and blended with existing lubricant fluids.

Mold Release
Graphite powder is used as a mold release agent in spin casting, and other methods of casting metals in silicone rubber molds or in metal molds. For such applications a graphite powder may be applied using a brush.

Wire Drawing
Wire drawing graphite usually is a mixture of 15% up to 20% graphite powder in a lubricant oil or grease.

Dry Film Lubricant
Dry film lubricants provide a long-term friction reduction. Graphite specially is the lubricant of choice when oil based lubricants and grease cannot be used due to high heat. it impart excellent lubrication and wear properties while providing chemical inertness. Graphite is an inexpensive dry film lubricant that can be applied by a brush or by spray. In either case most often the graphite is emulsified in a volatile solvent. The solvent will evaporate quickly and an evenly distributed coating of graphite remains at the surface. (Other dry film lubricants are molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and PTFE or Teflon.)

Specifications:  View a typical Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Particle size: 5 micron average

Carbon Content: 95.5 carbon min

Surface area: About 9-15m2/g

Apparent Density: 0.37g/cc

Ordering and Pricing

Please contact 973-405-6248 to discuss your specific requirements based on your applications.