Good Electric Conductivity Of Graphite: Facts To Know
Graphite is a hot topic in the commodity market. Graphite mining companies are thus trying to gain a competitive edge in the industry.
About The Allotropes Of Carbon
- Some elements are able to exist in different structural forms, known as allotropes. Carbon does this very well because of its ability to form bonds with other neighboring carbon atoms. This property is known as catenation. The four allotropes of carbon are diamond, graphite, graphene, and buckminsterfullerene.
- Among these four, diamond and graphite are the most popular ones. In fact, graphite mining in India has become an important part as the mineral finds application in a variety of industries. The reason being the unique features and characteristics of graphite due to its structure.
Why Can’t Diamond Conduct Electricity?
Diamond is a giant covalent structure; each valence electron of every carbon atom forms a covalent bond, which means that there are no free electrons. Since electrical conductivity relies on the flow of free electrons, diamond is not a good conductor.
Why Is Graphite A Good Electric Conductor?
Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. Its structure is the main reason for this property. Each carbon atom in graphite is directly linked to only three carbon atoms through covalent bonds. Therefore, out of the four valence electrons in a carbon atom, only three are used for bonding and the fourth is relatively free and can move from one carbon atom to the other. These free electrons make graphite a good conductor of electricity and also a good lubricant.
Graphite is an important material for industrial application based on intensive laboratory-scale research. Exploration of graphite from mines is a key activity that helps in accommodating the huge demand for this mineral in the market.
Let Us Take A Look At Graphite Application In Electronics
Graphite has a unique ability to conduct electricity while dissipating or transferring heat away from critical components. This makes it a great material for electronics applications including semiconductors, electric motors, and even the production of modern-day batteries. Some of its applications include:
- Nanotechnology and semiconductors: Graphite”s impressive electrical conductivity and the material’s exceptional strength and stiffness make it hit nanotechnology.
- Semiconductors: Although fairly new, but gradually is making a mark in the industry.
- Mortars and generators: Graphite in the form of carbon brushes find frequent application in the manufacturing of electric motors, generators, and alternators.
Tasso Alloys Pvt. Ltd. is an Indian-listed mining company with three graphite mining leases, and a large land package. The company aims at being the largest graphite mining company in the world through its productive and also, ethical working relationships.