Antimony-Impregnated Carbon Graphite

Antimony-impregnated carbon graphite’s unique combination of enhanced strength, self-lubrication, and corrosion resistance makes it a valuable material for diverse applications. It is often used in seal and bearing applications.

High Load and Pressure : Antimony-impregnated carbon greatly increases the strength of traditional carbon graphite which makes it ideal for pump applications that see both high loads and pressure.
Impermeability: Antimony impregnation drastically reduces porosity so there is almost no micro porosity of the material. This means that the material is essentially impermeable to liquids, even those with low viscosity. This makes it a perfect choice for sealing applications of low viscosity fluids, e.g., refrigerants, propane.
Harsh Environments: Reducing the porosity of the material also makes antimony-impregnated material resistant to corrosion. This makes it ideal for pumps that are submerged in harsh environments, e.g., chemicals, salt.

What is Antimony-impregnated carbon graphite and how does it transform carbon graphite

Antimony-impregnated carbon graphite is a modified form of carbon graphite where antimony is infused into the material’s pores, acting as a reinforcing and filling agent. This process, called impregnation, significantly enhances the properties of carbon graphite by:

Increasing strength

Antimony’s strong metallic bonds act as a bridge between carbon atoms, strengthening the overall structure of the material. This makes it ideal for applications requiring high load-bearing capabilities and resistance to wear and tear.

Reducing porosity

By filling in the tiny air pockets within the carbon graphite, antimony helps dense the material and reduces its porosity. This translates to improved dimensional stability, reduced risk of leaks in sealing applications, and enhanced resistance to chemical attack from fluids and gases.

These improvements make antimony-impregnated carbon graphite suitable for various demanding applications, including bearings that operate under high loads and pressures, seals that require exceptional leak resistance in harsh environments, and components exposed to corrosive chemicals and extreme temperatures.

BENEFITS OF ANTIMONY-IMPREGNATED CARBON GRAPHITE

ENHANCED ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

While unimpregnated carbon graphite already offers good conductivity, the strategic introduction of antimony can further improve its electrical conductivity. This enhancement is attributed to antimony’s inherent conductivity and its ability to create a more interconnected network within the carbon matrix. This improved conductivity makes antimony-impregnated carbon graphite suitable for various applications requiring efficient transmission of electrical current, such as electrical brushes and contacts in high-power motors and generators, as well as electrodes in specific industrial processes.

IMPROVED MACHINABILITY

Compared to unimpregnated graphite, antimony-impregnated graphite often exhibits improved machinability. The presence of antimony can slightly soften the material, making it easier to shape and customize into desired dimensions for specific applications. This improved machinability allows for more intricate designs and complex geometries, potentially leading to enhanced performance and efficiency in various applications.

SUPERIOR CORROSION RESISTANCE

While carbon graphite generally exhibits good corrosion resistance, incorporating antimony can further enhance its resistance to various corrosive agents. This improved resistance is attributed to antimony’s ability to form a protective layer on the surface of the material, shielding it from chemical attacks. This benefit makes antimony-impregnated carbon graphite suitable for use in harsh environments with exposure to chemicals, salt water, or other corrosive substances, found in applications like marine components, chemical processing equipment, and wastewater treatment systems

APPLICATIONS OF ANTIMONY-IMPREGNATED CARBON GRAPHITE

High Load and Pressure: Antimony-impregnated carbon greatly increases the strength of traditional carbon graphite which makes it ideal for pump applications that see both high loads and pressure.
Impermeability: Antimony impregnation drastically reduces porosity so there is almost no micro porosity of the material. This means that the material is essentially impermeable to liquids, even those with low viscosity. This makes it a perfect choice for sealing applications of low viscosity fluids, e.g., refrigerants, propane.
Harsh Environments: Reducing the porosity of the material also makes antimony-impregnated material resistant to corrosion. This makes it ideal for pumps that are submerged in harsh environments, e.g., chemicals, salt.

FAQS ABOUT USING ANTIMONY-IMPREGNATED CARBON GRAPHITE

What are the limitations of antimony-impregnated carbon graphite?

While it offers numerous benefits, the material has limitations like:

1) Higher brittleness compared to un-impregnated carbon graphite.

2) Potential for electrical conductivity to be slightly lower than un-impregnated forms depending on the level of antimony impregnation.

How does antimony-impregnation affect the machinability of carbon graphite?

While machinability can vary depending on the specific grade, the impregnation process can generally slightly improve the machinability of carbon graphite.

REQUEST A QUOTE TODAY!

Antimony-impregnated carbon graphite offers a unique blend of strength, stability, and performance. Whether you require exceptional wear resistance for bearings, leak-proof seals for demanding environments, or efficient heat transfer in high-temperature applications, this versatile material has the potential to elevate your project.

Don’t settle for limitations. At Saint Mary’s Carbon, we offer a diverse range of antimony-impregnated carbon graphite grades, each meticulously crafted to meet specific needs. Request a quote today to discuss your project requirements with our experienced team and discover how we can help you unlock the full potential of your application.

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