Graphite powder overview

Graphite powder is one of the “cornerstones” of modern industry and an indispensable industrial raw material in many fields of production. It has many excellent characteristics. Whether it is the smelting process of steel or the refining process of non-ferrous metals, it is involved in helping to regulate the temperature and improve the purity and quality of the metal. There are two types according to different processes: synthetic and natural flake graphite powder. Synthetic graphite powder is a high-purity material with excellent consistency and electrical and thermal conductivity. Natural graphite powder is more suitable as a lubricant and art paint because it is more economical because it is more economical. Of course, manufacturers offer more favorable pricing for bulk graphite powders.

Purity

Purity is a key factor in determining the price of graphite powder. In general, the price of low-purity graphite powder (such as the purity of 80%-90%) is relatively low. And the market price may be 142-285 usd/ton. The price of medium purity (90%-95%) powder is about 357-500 usd/ton. The high purity graphite powder (99% and above), due to its complex production process, less impurities, the price is significantly increased. It may reach 1.1-1.7 usd/kg (1142-1714 usd/ton). For example, some special processes in the manufacture of electronic chips require ultra-high purity graphite powder. This is even more expensive.

Particle size

The particle size has an obvious effect on the price of graphite powder. The price of coarse grained graphite powder is relatively low, and the price with a particle size of 50-100 microns is about 210-5700 usd/ton. The fine grained graphite powder with a particle size of 10-20 microns. Due to its difficult processing and high technical requirements, the price can reach 710-1000 usd/ton. Ultra-fine particles (less than 10 microns) of graphite powder are more expensive, may exceed more than 1400 usd/ton. It is often used in high-end precision instruments or special chemical processes.

Production processe

The price of graphite powder varies greatly under different production processes. The cost of graphite powder produced by the traditional process is relatively low. And the price is also low, perhaps 285-710 usd/ton. The graphite powder using advanced chemical method or physical method to improve the production process has better quality and higher price. For example, the price of high-quality graphite powder produced by the high-temperature and high-pressure synthesis process may be 857-1400 usd/ton. Although some new environmental protection production processes increase the cost, the graphite powder produced meets environmental protection standards. And the price will be a certain premium in the international market or in areas with high environmental protection requirements.

Summarized in the following table: Price of graphite powder