Graphite is chemically inert under normal conditions, yet it reacts with oxygen at elevated temperatures. At temperatures above 700°C, graphite undergoes oxidation to form carbon dioxide. This characteristic supports combustion and enables its wide application in high-temperature melting furnaces. Thanks to this property, graphite maintains stable performance in atmospheric environments.
Robust carbon-carbon covalent bonds and its layered crystal structure render graphite resistant to attack by most acids and alkalis. It is therefore an ideal material for lining chemical reactors and vessels for molten metal containment. Its excellent corrosion resistance allows reliable service in harsh chemical environments and broadens its application scope.
Graphite is susceptible to oxidation under extreme high temperatures, while oxidation proceeds very slowly under ambient conditions. Gradual surface oxidation occurs upon prolonged exposure to oxygen. A thin layer of carbon dioxide forms on its surface over time. Such mild degradation will not alter its fundamental properties, making graphite a durable and reliable engineering material.
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