The mineral graphite, as with diamond and fullerene, is one of the allotropes of carbon.
Graphite has a layered, planar structure. In each layer, the carbon atoms are arranged in a hexagonal lattice with separation of nm, and the distance between planes is nm. Graphite and graphite powder are valued in industrial applications for its self-lubricating and dry lubricating properties. There is a common belief that graphite's lubricating properties are solely due to the loose interlamellar coupling between sheets in the structure. However, it has been shown that in a vacuum environment (such as in technologies for use in space), graphite is a very poor lubricant. This observation led to the discovery that the lubrication is due to the presence of fluids between the layers, such as air and water, which are naturally adsorbed from the environment.
Size: 8500px × 5868px
Photo credit: © Phil Degginger / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: allotrope, alpha, carbon, conductor, electrical, graphite, hexagonal, lattice, lubricant, lubricating, molecules, planar, semimetal
