Graphite is indeed affected by heat, primarily through oxidation and changes in its structural properties. When exposed to air at elevated temperatures, graphite oxidizes, starting around 500°C and experiencing significant mass loss. This oxidation can lead to structural failure over time. However, under controlled conditions such as in vacuum or inert gas environments, graphite can withstand extremely high temperatures up to 3000°C, during which its properties can be enhanced through a process called graphitization.
Oxidation of Graphite at Elevated Temperatures: Graphite is oxygen sensitive and begins to oxidize when exposed to air at temperatures around 500°C. This oxidation process can be quite rapid, with a potential loss of up to 1% of mass per day under certain conditions. Repeated exposure to such conditions can cause the graphite to lose thickness and eventually fail structurally. This sensitivity to oxidation limits the practical applications of graphite in open air environments at high temperatures.
Graphitization and Enhancement of Properties: To enhance the properties of graphite, it can be subjected to heat treatment in an inert atmosphere up to 3000°C. This process, known as graphitization, involves the rearrangement of carbon atoms from a disordered state to a more ordered crystalline structure. The original carbon material contains small domains of graphene molecules, which grow and align during heat treatment, leading to larger, more uniform layers. This transformation improves the material's properties, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications.
Mechanical Strength and Thermal Properties: Interestingly, when heated from room temperature to 2,000 °C, graphite's mechanical strength increases. This is due to a reduction in internal stresses as the temperature rises, which enhances the material's robustness. This property allows for the design of smaller, more efficient systems that require less support. Additionally, graphite exhibits strong corrosion resistance to acids and alkalis, and its thermal shock resistance is high, contributing to its long service life.
In summary, while graphite is susceptible to oxidation and structural degradation when exposed to air at high temperatures, it can be significantly enhanced and stabilized through controlled heat treatment in inert environments. This makes graphite a valuable material for various high-temperature applications, particularly where its unique electrical and thermal properties are beneficial.
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