Graphite is a silver colored form of carbon. It is one of chief forms of solid lubricant. The lamellar structure of graphite, in the guise of dry powder, makes it ideal for reducing friction. Graphite can also function as a liquid based lubricant.

As a dry lubricator, the crushed graphite reacts with water vapor and the molecular bonding does not occur, leaving it dry and greasy. However, it does not bond well with the surface and keeps falling off and increasing the times to be applied. Solid graphite lubricant can resist temperatures of about 900 degree F. And higher temperatures than this will cause oxidation of graphite. Liquid graphite lubricants are of different types. The graphite grease is designed to stick to the surface, where the grease will stop the graphite from falling off the surface.

As a dry lubricant, graphite can be employed in some circumstances where wet lubricants may lead to danger, for in electric fittings or when the substance is such as wood. Also, graphite grease can tolerate higher heat than natural grease or other lubricants.

Graphite gasket may be used as an addition in lubricating oil to increase the thermal tolerance. They are used as components of polymer based composite anti-friction coatings and form the second phase particles of metal based composite anti-friction coatings. They are used as molds for constant casting and solid lubricator in metal forming.

Graphite is also used in continuous casting molds. The molds are fabricated from statically pushed graphite. The low friction between the mould surface and the metal guarantees the smooth extraction of the casting. The crystal structure of graphite powder offers low friction without the obligation of further lubrication.

The typical car oils can’t withstand the raised temperatures, but graphite can serve as lubricants in automotive engines which reach temperatures as high as 1,250 degree F. The commonly available graphite lubricants are a colloidal dispersion of billions of microscopic particles of graphite. When this is added to the crankcase of an engine, it works along with the motor oil to reduce friction. It also penetrates effectively into areas where oil cannot reach, keeps oil from thickening, improves compression helping energy usage and fuel use.