Vein graphite, also known as crystalline vein graphite, Sri Lankan graphite, or Celyon graphite, is a naturally occurring form of pyrolitic carbon (solid carbon deposited from a fluid phase). Vein graphite has a morphology that ranges from flake-like for fine particles, needle or acicular for medium sized particles, and grains or lumps for very coarse particles. As the name implies, this form of graphite occurs as a vein material. Vein fillings range in size from 1-150 cm. “As mined” material is available in sizes ranging from fine powder to 10 cm lumps.
Vein graphite has the highest “degree of crystalline” perfection of all conventional graphite materials. As a result of its high degree of crystallinity, vein graphite is utilized extensively in “formed” graphite products that are used in electrical applications. Many of the highest quality electrical motor brushes and other current-carrying carbons are based on formulations using vein graphite.
In friction applications, vein graphite is used in advanced brake and clutch applications. Other applications include most of those that can utilize flake graphite. Commercial grades are available in purities ranging from 80-99% carbon, and sizes from 3-micrometer powder to 10-25 cm lumps.