Graphite Foil

Flexible graphite foil is made from exfoliated graphite flake and is produced through an extensive calendaring process to give a thin flexible graphite foil with no binder or resins.

Because of the excellent properties such as thermal stability, high and low temperature resistance, impermeability and corrosion resistance, etc. Flexible graphite foil is widely used in fields of industrial sealing, heating elements for high temperature applications and insulation/heat shields.

To meet some special applications and high-quality requirements, products with special properties are available, for example we have the width of 60″ (1.5m), low and even non-sulfur content or tensile strength of 70 bar (1015 psi) and above.

Why Graphite?
Graphite has several advantages over other materials. It is resistant to thermal shock. It is the only material in which mechanical properties increase with temperature. It has a low CTE for geometrical stability. It is easily machined. It does not melt but sublimes at very high temperature (3,400ºC), and finally, its density is lower (five times less than copper) which means lighter electrodes. Graphite removes material better than copper or copper-tungsten while wearing slower. The wear rate tends to diminish as the discharge increases, unlike copper, whose wear increases at higher currents. Therefore, graphite is suited for the machining of large electrodes since working with a high current intensity provides decreased roughing time.

Although graphite is prone to abnormal discharge, this can be eliminated through quality flushing, and lowering the intensity of discharge during negative polarity machining. However, as a result of this tradeoff, machining tungsten carbides is more difficult than with copper-tungsten electrodes. Also, since graphite is a ceramic, it is sensitive to mechanical shock, and consequently must be handled and machined with care. -Mersen

ADVANTAGES

  • – Asbestos-free
  • – No respirable fibers
  • – No health hazard
  • – No aging or embrittlement
  • – Non-toxic and suitable for foodstuffs and potable water
  • – Low chloride content
  • – Excellent chemical resistance with no hot or cold flow
  • – Excellent impermeability to gas and fluids
  • – Easily cut and punched


APPLICATIONS

  • – Glands
  • – Pressed packing rings
  • – Gaskets used in flanges, covers of observation holes, level meters.
  • – Spiral-wound graphite gaskets
  • – Stuffing box packing
  • – Crinkle tapes for stuffing box packing
  • – Release foils in glassworks and hot presses
  • – Backing strips for welding operations
  • – Excellent creep resistance
  • – Electrostatic filter plates
  • – Cathodes for electrolysis of liquids; electrical contacts
  • – Vessel linings and coatings against hot and aggressive media
  • – Facings for hot pressing molds
  • – Basic material for vapor phase deposition of metal films
  • – Protective material against laser beams