2. DefinitionDefinition
Graphite is anGraphite is an
allotropic form ofallotropic form of
carbon,carbon,
known as plumbagoknown as plumbago
and black lead,and black lead,
dark gray,dark gray,
Crystalline - HCPCrystalline - HCP
Greasy,Greasy,
Soft, with a metallicSoft, with a metallic
luster,luster,
Good conductor ofGood conductor of
electricity,electricity,
Does not burn easilyDoes not burn easily
3. HistoryHistory
Graphite was discovered aroundGraphite was discovered around
the mid 1500’s.the mid 1500’s.
Synthetic graphite was made bySynthetic graphite was made by
E.G. Ancheson.E.G. Ancheson.
Natural graphite was discoveredNatural graphite was discovered
by Mr. Stephen Riddle.by Mr. Stephen Riddle.
Today both natural and syntheticToday both natural and synthetic
graphite are a great benefit forgraphite are a great benefit for
today’s society.today’s society.
4. Composition of GraphiteComposition of Graphite
Graphite consist ofGraphite consist of
carbon atoms, whichcarbon atoms, which
form sheets of linkedform sheets of linked
hexagons.hexagons.
Each carbon atomEach carbon atom
within a sheet formswithin a sheet forms
strong bonds to threestrong bonds to three
other carbon atoms, butother carbon atoms, but
the stacked sheets arethe stacked sheets are
only held together byonly held together by
weak bonds.weak bonds.
Graphite is know asGraphite is know as
black lead, when mixblack lead, when mix
with clay it forms thewith clay it forms the
“lead” pencils.“lead” pencils.
