Pole Figure Analysis of Graphite Material

Graphite is a versatile material which is also used in various load bearing applications such as thrust bearings and dies for mechanical pressing such as hot pressing. Natural graphite has anisotropic layered structure which reduces its (compressive) strength in axes which are not parallel to c-axis. To increase strength, isotropy is introduced in graphite structure by breaking down its layers and minimizing grain size. We performed an in-depth characterization of relative aniostropy in graphite using pole figure density mapping. Locally available graphite samples were characterized by XRD and pole figures/3-D orientation distribution function (ODF). SEM and hardness testing were also performed to substantiate the pole density method. Results show that it is possible to characterize (qualitative/quantitative) isotropy or lack thereof in graphite by correlating it with the distribution of crystallinity/pole density mapping of (002) poles and 3D ODF figures.