Similar to molybdenum disulfide or tungsten disulfide dichal cogenides, graphite also has a layered lattice, a hexagonal structure, with stronger bonds within the structure, closely packed carbon atoms within the basal plane than with neighboring sheets carbon atoms between basal planes.

Unlike the other lubricants, carbon graphite coating low friction coatings are not intrinsically lubricated. Graphite properties rely on adsorption of moisture or other condensable vapor such as hydrocarbons to develop the capability of lubrication. Consequently, graphite lubricates well in a normal air atmosphere, but not at high altitudes or in vacuum. And once temperatures are high enough to create desorption, unless in the presence of relevant oxides, dry graphite will result in higher friction.

Though oxidation products begin to form above 900 degrees Fahrenheit, lubrication from graphite low friction coatings is feasible at service temperatures of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

As with the other dry film lubricants, while differences may prove negligible, you will have to determine which is better for you – longer wear life or better performance. Generally, friction from flake graphite low friction coatings will be slightly higher by coating both surfaces, rather than coating one surface only. But wear life will increase coating both surfaces.

Without friction, life would be inconvenient, if not dangerous. For example, we would not be able to easily stop and start our motion, or change our direction. But when it comes to moving machinery, in the presence of friction, there is considerable inefficiency associated with energy loss, diminished performance, and certainly limitations on wear resistance.

Working systems abound in the absence of graphite lubricant. With poor chosen combination, like hard/soft metals, or poor quality surfaces, static friction can be exceptionally higher than dynamic friction. Oftentimes, the result is galling or seizure, the act of a cold weld. Best case, there is a stick-slip phenomenon, the result of surfaces temporarily adjoined, bound sometimes by the smallest of areas, the most intimate of contact. Until the threshold of elastic energy is overcome between the two surfaces, forward movement cannot occur.