Perspective Methods of Graphite Quality Improving

Abstract

The influence of various methods of activation on the graphite particles average size and micro-relief of particles have been studied. It has been experimentally proved that the size of graphite particles decreases after the process of mechano-activation, however graphite particles don’t change significantly after being processed by chemical activation. It should be noted that in the course of chemical activation the state of particles surface varies on shearing cuts. Particles’ surface can be described as a poly stratified system, comprising separate complex-structured buildups of the “rosette” type, where the graphite petals are located around the reinforcing rod. Moreover, the graphite petals are placed at different angles to each other, and they are of different thickness. The empty space between these buildups is filled with graphite particles, their petals being orientated freely. The particles size decrease and the change in the particles surface state are followed by their porosity increase, which, in its turn, leads to the fact that graphite particles’ surface becomes “super-hydrophobic” and helps the capillary forces resist the filtration of the melt into the pores of graphite particles.