We all know about graphite being the 'lead' in
ordinary 'lead pencils'. But graphite powder as lots of other uses. It is a
common friction reducer and used in a lot of lubricating products. It makes
doors slide easier, and keys fit into locks with less effort.
MARINE USES OF GRAPHITE POWDER
Graphite is often mixed into epoxy. One
application of graphite powder is in areas of wear and friction. a classic
example is there the bolt that allows a centerboard to swing up and down and
that bolt passes through (or is held in place - rests on etc.) a chunk of epoxy.
By mixing graphite into the epoxy, the centerboard bolt will more slowly wear
the epoxy and also the board will move with less friction.
Another application for graphite is as a pigment in
epoxies (for marine or non marine uses). Graphite powders vary in color an size.
Color can be from a gray to a midnight dark blue to a black. Larger sized
graphite grains tend to be a bit reflective - sort of a hint of glitter.
Graphite is not a good pigment so clear coatings 'tinted' with graphite should
go over a dark or nearly black background.
The results of graphite powder in a clear coat can
be sort of cool - a not quite black color with a bit of sparkle!
Purchase graphite powder (and other
fillers and thickeners - micro balloons, fumed silica, etc.)
