How is grafoil made?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 05, 2026
UCAR Carbon manufactures GRAFOIL Flexible Graphite as a rolled sheet product by taking a high quality particulate graphite flake and processing it through an intercalation process using strong mineral acids. The flake is then heated to volatilize the acids and expand the flake to many times its original size.
What is grafoil material?
GraFoil flexible graphite is a distinctive material with all the essential characteristics of natural graphite: superior thermal stability, thermal conductivity, natural lubricity, and chemical resistance. GraFoil material provides a tight seal, even after repeated exposure to the harshest environments.Is graphite and grafoil the same?
Flexible graphite is a generic commercial term. The name Grafoil® is the original brand name of flexible graphite owned by GrafTech, a company founded in 1886. Grafoil® material was first introduced by Union Carbide in the 1960s. Flexible graphite is 95% – 99% carbon.How is flexible graphite made?
Flexible graphite is created by submerging flake graphite into chromatic and sulfuric acid, then exposing it to intense heat. This weakens the bonds between each of the layers, expanding the graphite. Graphite is non-metallic, formed by metamorphosis of organic-rich sedimentary rocks.Is grafoil non-asbestos?
It is an ideal facing material for flat gaskets It contains no binders or resins. No binders or resins. Non-fibrous. Non-asbestos.SEPCO Flexible Graphite Ring
What is the best head gasket material?
Copper gaskets are extremely durable which makes them perfect for high performance engines. Copper transfers heat evenly throughout the entire gasket, and this reduces the effects of warping. Copper is also good at conforming to rougher, damaged surfaces for a complete seal.Is grafoil conductive?
Like its forerunner, pyrolytic graphite, GRAFOIL flexible graphite is resistant to heat, has no water of crystallization, is naturally lubricious, is chemically inert, and is an excellent conductor of heat and electricity.What is flexible graphite made of?
Flexible graphite is made from natural graphite flakes.Following chemical preparation with acids and oxidizing agents, the natural graphite is expanded by a violent heat treatment procedure. Self-bonded by a rolling operation, the expanded graphite particles form a continuous strip, without the addition of a binder.