Graphite powder has long been used in applications where a dry lubricant is needed, and it remains a mainstay today. At Superior Graphite, our FormulaPT™, FormulaBT™, FormulaFX™, and Signature™ lubricants have specially formulated graphite powder for a variety of applications.

What is Graphite Powder?

Graphite powder is simply a powder form of graphite that retains all of the material’s inherent primary and secondary properties. The graphitic powder is a highly effective lubricant that has multiple beneficial properties. Depending on the specific size, purity, formulation and other factors, graphite powder can provide (among other benefits):

By choosing a specific type and grade of graphite, the powder can be adapted to specific needs. FormulaPT™, FormulaBT™, FormulaFX™, and Signature™ each offer a specially formulated mixture of carbon and graphitic materials for particular applications.

How Does Graphite Powder Compare to Other Dry Lubricants?

When compared to alternative dry lubricant options, graphitic powders hold up well. Graphite is not necessarily the best choice for every application, but it is widely used because the powder is a wide choice in many situations. There are a couple of main alternative dry lubricants.

Molybdenum disulfide works in a vacuum, which graphite powder does not. This makes the alternative better in a few uncommon applications, but graphite is a more practical option for most needs. Additionally, molybdenum disulfide is much more prone to corrosion than graphite powder — a major consideration for many businesses.

Boron nitride has even better temperature resistance, proving effective at temperatures well above 1,000 °C. Such thermal resistance is very rarely needed, however, and graphite powder is a much more available and practical solution.

What Applications is Graphite Powder Well-Suited For?

The three graphite powder formulations that we offer are tailored to three different types of applications.

FormulaPT™ is specifically developed for the polymer market, serving as a polymer additive that improves conductive and tribological characteristics. The formulation goes through an electro-thermal purification treatment, which makes the graphite inert yet still highly conductive. It also lowers the coefficient of friction in polymers, thus increasing lubrication.

FormulaPT™ may be added to high-performance thermoplastics, food contact polymers, thermoset resigns, PTFE, adhesives, coatings, elastomers and sealants.

FormulaBT™ is a battery-grade graphite compound for the energy conversion industry. The graphite powder provides chemical stability, high cycle life counts, increased capacity and improved adhesion in most batteries.

FormulaBT™ is appropriate for fuel cells, advanced lead-carbon batteries, alkaline batteries, and Li-ion batteries. It can also be used in thermal management situations.

FormulaFX™ is a complete line of friction products, including calcined petroleum coke (CPC), natural graphite, synthetic graphite and thermally purified graphite. These are designed for brake pads and liners, where carbon-based and graphite materials may account for upwards of 25 percent of a brake components’ content.

Signature™ – The Signature™ family of graphites and carbon materials, in powder and granular form, includes amorphous graphite, crystalline flake and vein graphites, synthetic (artificial) graphite, along with calcined petroleum cokes. Sourced from selected and qualified mines around the world, Signature™ graphites and carbons perform in a variety of applications from simple to complex. Signature™ offes consistency and quality at an economical price.

Find the Right Graphite Powder

Whatever your application, we have specially formulated graphite products that will serve you well. Choose the right FormulaPT™, FormulaBT™, FormulaFX™, and Signature™ option, and you will find that it is the perfect high-performance dry lubricant.