Flexible Graphite
Flexible graphite is produced from expanded natural graphite and is one of the most widely used Spiral Wound Gasket fillers. It provides excellent conformability, thermal stability and broad chemical resistance outside strongly oxidizing service.
Flexible Graphite Information
Flexible graphite is produced from expanded natural graphite and is one of the most widely used Spiral Wound Gasket fillers. It provides excellent conformability, thermal stability and broad chemical resistance outside strongly oxidizing service.
Metallic winding and compatible ring components where service conditions are suitable.
| Principal Material | Expanded natural graphite |
|---|---|
| Material Type | Flexible graphite foil/tape |
| Purity | Grade-dependent; high-purity gasket grades are commonly used |
| Common / Applicable Specification | Manufacturer/product specification required |
| Typical Gasket Use | Metallic winding and compatible ring components where service conditions are suitable. |
Flexible Graphite Chemical Composition
Reference composition limits are shown below. Exact requirements should be confirmed against the applicable product specification and certified material documentation.
| Element / Constituent | Symbol | Composition / Information |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon | C | Commonly >95%; premium grades may be >99% |
| Ash / Inorganics | — | Grade-dependent |
| Sulfur / Halogens | — | Controlled in nuclear / critical-service grades |
| Binders | — | Many flexible graphite foils are binder-free |
Flexible Graphite Mechanical Properties
Flexible graphite is anisotropic and its mechanical properties depend heavily on density, orientation and foil construction. Product-certified data should be used for gasket design.
| Property | Reference Value | Unit / Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Direction- and density-dependent | MPa |
| Compressibility | High; product-specific | % |
| Recovery | Product-specific | % |
Values shown are engineering reference data, not universal design allowables. Final procurement and design must use the governing specification, exact product form/condition and certified material test documentation.
Flexible Graphite Physical & Service Information
Reference physical properties and service considerations relevant to material selection for Spiral Wound Gaskets.
| Typical Bulk Density | Often around 1.0 g/cm³ for gasket foil; product-dependent |
|---|---|
| Oxidizing Service | Commonly limited to roughly 450°C in air; exact limit depends on oxidation inhibitors and exposure. |
| Non-Oxidizing / Inert Service | Can tolerate much higher temperatures when oxygen is excluded; gasket hardware and process conditions may become the limiting factors. |
| Chemical Resistance | Broad, with exceptions including strong oxidizers. |
| Service Selection | Use certified purity, oxidation and leachable-halogen data for critical service. |
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