Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Sri Lankan Vein Graphite Powder

Abstract

Graphite is being highly used nowadays in synthesizing graphene; largely exploited in synthesis of nano-composites in different forms. Crushed graphite can also be used in its powder form to synthesize beneficial particulate based composite. Besides, properties of vein graphite in its powder form is scarcely found in the literature. This study reports mechanical and thermal properties of vein graphite powder sourced from Bogala mines, Sri Lanka. Five varieties of graphite powder samples were chosen based on the specific industrial requirements and each were characterized through Thermal Constant Analyzer, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and Ultrasonic pulse-echo method. The later method was adopted to obtain measurements of the Poisson's ratio ( ϑ ), Young's modulus (E), and Shear modulus (G) of the graphite powder samples. Highest value of thermal conductivity, volumetric heat capacity, and thermal diffusivity was reported from the grade of graphite powder possessing larger particle size. The reported properties of the vein graphite powder will be convenient to material scientists in synthesizing graphite particle-based composites and to predict their overall performance numerically as well as experimentally.