Size Effect of Expandable Graphite

Abstract

Using three natural graphites with different particle size, 35, 50 and 80 mesh, as raw materials, expandable graphites were prepared by intercalating, water-washing and drying the natural graphites. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and Raman spectroscopy. Results show that the structure of expandable graphite is affected strongly by the particle size of natural graphite. With increasing the particle size of natural graphite, for expandable graphite, the expansion degree of graphite flakes along the c-axis and the relative ratio of intercalating agents increase, while the structural disorder increases.