Graphite: A Future Structural Material

Abstract

Summary: Graphite is a material with unique high-temperature properties. Its strength and modulus increase with temperature up to about 2000-2500°C., in which range it exhibits a higher strength than any known material. The development of new types of graphite (such as pyrolytic graphite, deposited from the vapour) and impregnated graphites, are both significant to future technology. The highly-oriented pyrolytic graphites in particular, with their marked thermal and mechanical anisotropy, and their superior mechanical properties (60 x 10³ lb./in.² strength at 2750°C, with 60 per cent ductility) offer distinct possibilities, particularly in composite structures. Graphite sublimes directly from the solid to vapour phase at 3700°C. at atmospheric pressure. As the sublimation energy is high, it is, at least in theory, a very efficient ablating material. It also has a high creep resistance. Surface reactions limit its value, particularly in oxidising environments, and coatings, or other methods of surface protection, are of high importance. The modulus of graphite is low, being about one-half of that for lead at room temperature, increasing with temperature to a maximum in the region of 2200°C. The properties vary in detail from one type of graphite to another, and with the direction in which measurements are made. Graphite has a low density (about 2·0) and is comparatively cheap, so that its low temperature limitations (zero ductility at room temperature) may be offset, at least in part, by a re-appraisal of the design factors. It can be joined and fabricated fairly readily, and appears to be a material of great value to advanced high-temperature projects in the future, where composite assemblies of various kinds will be essential.