Graphite Paints

Graphite paints -Graphite is a natural form of carbon consisting of layers of closely spaced
carbon atoms, and a very large space between the layers. This gives it different properties if
measured in different directions. It also allows the layers to slide relative to each other, and
this makes it nature’s perfect lubricant. It is rather difficult to make a paint out of graphite,
but it is possible. Graphite paint is a coating which is not fixed in place. It will move if
something slides across it. It is pointless to try to get a graphite paint smooth. The paint
will redistribute itself to fill voids. The important thing is to have enough thickness of paint
to be able to fill voids and still cover the highest protrusions. The thickness of coating
required is therefore a few microns on flat polished surfaces and several millimeters on rough
refractory castings.

Graphite is an effective, low-cost additive that is multi-functional when utilized in paints,

coatings and a myriad of other industrial applications. Graphite provides chemical inertness,
refractoriness, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, lubricity, UV stability, and in the
case of "expandable" graphite, fire-retardant properties. Graphite is non-toxic. With proper
rheological adjustment, graphite is compatible with most aqueous and non-aqueous coating
systems. Graphite is available in "off-the-shelf" purities from 80% to 99+% carbon, and sizes
from large grains down to 3-micron powder. Particle distributions can be tailored to meet
almost any liquid system requirement.

Graphite low friction coatings are regarded some of the more widely used forms of solid film
lubrication today.

Similar to molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) or tungsten disulfide (WS2) dichalcogenides,

graphite also has a layered lattice, a hexagonal structure, with stronger (covalent) bonds
within the structure (closely packed carbon atoms within the basal plane) than with
neighboring ‘sheets’ (carbon atoms between basal planes).

But unlike the other lubricants, carbon graphite low friction coatings are not intrinsically
lubricated. Graphite properties rely on adsorption of moisture or other condensable vapor
such as hydrocarbons to develop the capability of lubrication. Consequently, graphite
lubricates well in a normal air atmosphere, but not at high altitudes or in vacuum. And once
temperatures are high enough to create desorption, unless in the presence of relevant oxides,
dry graphite will result in higher friction.

Application:

Lubrication of surfaces where refractories need to slide over each other or against steel. It
was developed for sliding gate plates where the refractories are pressed against each other
under very high pressure and the temperature reaches 1650°C. Used on doors, undercuts on
very damaged casting dies, crack filling in almost unusable ingot moulds.

Composition;
High quality natural Ceylon flake graphite with binders, carriers, wetting agent and biocide.

Maximum service temperature;

1000°C in exposed oxidizing atmospheres.
2000°C in reducing atmospheres.

Painting;
Graphite Paint sticks to all surfaces except polyethylene. Preparation of substrate is only
necessary if there is a lot of oil, grease etc. present. Small gaps in the coating are not a
problem, they will get smeared over in use. Drying will be rapid on porous refractory
surfaces, much like normal paints on steel. Sprayed Graphite Paint looks neat but works no
better than very badly brush painted graphite.

Ref:
http://www.keramicalia.co.za/paints/109-graphite-paints.html
https://www.pcimag.com/articles/83004-graphite-a-multifunctional-additive-for-paint-and-
coatings
http://industrialcoatingsworld.com/low-friction-coatings/graphite-low-friction-coatings