The terms graphite and carbon fiber have become interchangeable to some extent. However, graphite in lead pencils and graphite in a tennis racket are obviously not the same material. The material that makes a strong racket is actually made of carbon fibers. Both graphite and carbon fibers are carbon-based; the differences lie in the process that produces the end product.
Carbon
According to an article by the Department of Polymer Science at the University of Southern Mississippi, graphite is pure carbon with its atoms arranged in big sheets of hexagonal rings. The article compares them to chicken wire. Carbon fibers differ in that they are a polymer which is a type of graphite. A polymer is a chain of carbon atoms that are connected to one another. The polymer must undergo a process to become carbon fiber that makes it different than graphite.
Transformation
Converting that long chain of carbon atoms into carbon fibers involves stretching the polymer. An oxidation treatment at 200 to 300 degrees centigrade starts the process from polymer to carbon fiber. The polymer is then heated to temperatures ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 degrees centigrade. The exact amount of heat depends upon the use for the specific fibers. During the heating process, the fibers are reduced to a substance that is approximately 92 percent carbon. The polymer becomes very thin as a result of the heat, at which point it becomes carbon fiber. If the process continues and the heat rises above 2,500 degrees centigrade, the polymer will turn into graphite instead of carbon fiber.
Properties
According to the University of Bristol, carbon fibers are very strong, despite their lack of density. Both graphite and carbon fibers are inert and unreactive; this explains why graphite in lead pencils does not react with paper, and the carbon fibers in tennis rackets do not interact with the other components of the racket. As the University of Wisconsin's Department of Chemistry points out, carbon fibers make the right material for ligament replacements.
Uses
The main difference between graphite and carbon fiber is the fact that graphite breaks apart easily while carbon fiber is strong. This difference explains why graphite works well in a pencil and carbon fiber works well in sports equipment, airplanes and the space shuttle.
FAQs
Uses. The main difference between graphite and carbon fiber is the fact that graphite breaks apart easily while carbon fiber is strong. This difference explains why graphite works well in a pencil and carbon fiber works well in sports equipment, airplanes and the space shuttle.
How are carbon and graphite different? ›
While Amorphous Carbon is characterized by the lack of order or a crystalline structure, Graphite is a highly ordered material with Carbon Atoms organized in 6 unit cells which are interconnected to adjacent cells that combined form planes.
Which racket is better, carbon fiber or graphite? ›
As graphite is stable, it allows manufacturers to adjust the flex patterns of the rackets. Carbon fiber rackets provide good strength which allows the user to sting the badminton racket at a higher tension with less risk of causing damage to the frame of the racket.
Is graphite 100% carbon? ›
Both diamond and graphite are made entirely out of carbon, as is the more recently discovered buckminsterfullerene (a discrete soccer-ball-shaped molecule containing carbon 60 atoms).
What is better for pickleball, graphite or carbon fiber? ›
If you're looking for a lightweight, responsive paddle that offers more power on your shots, you may want to consider a carbon fiber paddle. However, if you're looking for a more durable and comfortable paddle that offers greater control, a graphite paddle might be the better choice.
Is graphite better than carbon fiber? ›
Both materials offer unique benefits and drawbacks, and choosing the right one depends on your needs and preferences. A graphite rod should be for those prioritizing sensitivity. However, a carbon fiber rod may be better for those prioritizing durability, power, and versatility.
Can carbon turn into graphite? ›
Graphite can be produced by both synthetic and natural carbon precursors.
Is carbon shaft the same as graphite? ›
Graphite is carbon that has been heat-treated one more time, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a "carbonized material". It is smoother and more flexible than carbon. It's durable and resilient, which is why it's used so much in shafts today.
Is graphene the same as graphite? ›
In very basic terms graphene could be described as a single, one atom thick layer of the commonly found mineral graphite; graphite is essentially made up of hundreds of thousands of layers of graphene.
What is a full graphite racket? ›
Lightweight: Graphite rackets are lighter than rackets made of aluminum or steel, making them easier to handle and maneuver. This can result in better control and precision during play. Increased Power: Graphite rackets typically have a stiffer frame, which can lead to increased power on shots.
Graphite is insoluble in water and organic solvents - for the same reason that diamond is insoluble. Attractions between solvent molecules and carbon atoms will never be strong enough to overcome the strong covalent bonds in graphite.
What is unique about graphite? ›
It is unique in that it has properties of both a metal and a non-metal: it is flexible but not elastic, has a high thermal and electrical conductivity, and is highly refractory and chemically inert. Graphite has a low adsorption of X-rays and neutrons making it a particularly useful material in nuclear applications.
Why is graphite black? ›
The layered structure of graphite behaves like a barrier that impedes the photons going through the material and as a result what we see is its opaque appearance the absence of light going through.
What is better, fiberglass or graphite? ›
If you want great handling and feel, then choose graphite. If you want more power, then a fiberglass paddle is the right choice for you. Since fiberglass isn't as stiff, it excels in the power department. Some players have complained that it doesn't control as well though.
Is there really a difference in pickleball paddles? ›
The thickness of your paddle is a sliding scale of power and control. Thinner paddles offer more pop and power and are typically lighter than their thicker counterparts, which helps with paddle agility.
What pickleball is used in most tournaments? ›
The Dura Fast 40 is used in most tournaments. Tournaments can you any ball though. Usually the tournament lists the type of ball that will be used for that tourney. USAPA.org has a list of all tournament approved balls.
What is the difference between carbon and graphite pencils? ›
Carbon pencils:
These are usually made of a mixture of clay and lamp black, but are sometimes blended with charcoal or graphite depending on the darkness and manufacturer. They produce a deeper black than graphite pencils, but are smoother than charcoal.
What is the difference between hard carbon and graphite? ›
Hard carbons usually have much lower capacity than graphite; however, some hard carbons derived from petroleum pitch, poly(furfuryl alcohol), phenolic resins, etc. exhibit high specific capacities in the range of 500–700 mAh g−1 after heat-treated at ∼1000 °C (region D in Figure 3).
Why is graphite not a carbon compound? ›
However, graphite is an element and not a compound, and graphite is typically considered a mineral (by definition a mineral cannot be organic), so an argument can be made for its inorganic nature. The element carbon is unique in that it probably forms more compounds than all of the other elements combined.
Is carbon similar to graphite? ›
Diamond and graphite are two allotropes of carbon: pure forms of the same element that differ in structure. The system of carbon allotropes spans an astounding range of extremes, considering that they are all merely structural formations of the same element.
