Characteristics of Graphite Products for Photovoltaic IndustryCharacteristics of graphite products for photovoltaic industry
(1) Density
The theoretical density of graphite single crystal is 2.26g/cm3, usually the density of artificial graphite is between 1.5-1.9g/cm3, the density of solid pyrolytic carbon can reach 2.0g/cm3 or higher.
(2) Strength
The strength of graphite products is an important indicator to evaluate their mechanical properties. The flexural strength of graphite products is generally between 30-150MPa, and the compressive strength is between 60-200MPa.
(3) Thermal Conductivity
Graphite has excellent thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of graphite products is generally between 100-200W/(m·K), which is much higher than that of non-metallic materials such as ceramics, glass, and plastics.
(4) Electrical Conductivity
Graphite is a good conductor of electricity. The electrical conductivity of graphite products is generally between 1000-2000S/m, which is much higher than that of non-metallic materials such as ceramics, glass, and plastics.
(5) Chemical Stability
Graphite has good chemical stability at room temperature, and is resistant to acid, alkali, and organic solvents. However, it is not resistant to strong oxidizing agents such as nitric acid and aqua regia.
(6) Thermal Stability
Graphite has good thermal stability. It can be used in an oxidizing atmosphere up to 450-500°C, and in a vacuum or inert atmosphere up to 3000°C.
(7) Lubricity
Graphite has good self-lubricating properties. The friction coefficient of graphite against steel is only 0.1-0.3, which is much lower than that of other materials.
(8) Machinability
Graphite has good machinability. It can be processed into various complex shapes such as plates, rods, tubes, and special-shaped parts by mechanical processing methods such as sawing, planing, grinding, drilling, and turning.