Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Characters of Binder Free Natural Flakes Graphite Electrode

NFGBS (natural flakes graphite block samples) was prepared via cold pressing without binding.The microstructural characters of the NFGBS after isostatic pressing and the influence of flake graphite orientation on mechanical properties were investigated.It is showed that after isostatic press, the shrink rate of the NFGBS varies in different orientation, with about 10%~11%in Z axis, and 7%~8%in X and Y axis.Compared to that before isostatic pressing, NFGBS became denser, with higher bending strength.The variation of orientation of natural flake graphite are attributed to the changes of radial position.Bending strength of NFGS is related to the grains orientation of shaped NFGBS.A qualitative model is proposed to account for the correlation between bending strength and microstructure of NFGBS.