When graphite is transformed into different forms or paired with other materials, it can have a variety of uses. When graphite is combined with zirconia and alumina, for example, it can be used to form shrouds, plug rods, and branch inlet nozzles. Likewise, powdered graphite can be used as a dry lubricant. An example of this is in steel casting, where this graphite product is used as a mold lubricant to help make part ejection easier. In general, synthetic graphite is useful in making parts for steelmaking. This is due to its electrical conductivity, which makes it suitable for applications such as electrodes for electric arc furnaces. Also, the aforementioned graphite electrodes are sometimes used in the printing process. Other commonly used graphite products include pencil leads, large non-automotive brake linings, batteries, laptop parts, paints, motor brushes, and crucibles. Crucibles are containers for extremely hot fluids and liquids used in forging and other high heat applications.
