Expanded graphite was prepared using the fine flake graphite that could go straight through 160 mu m mesh as raw material, using acetic anhydride as inserting agent and potassium dichromate as oxidant. The best process conditions are as follows: m (fine graphite):m (acetic anhydride):m (concentrated sulfuric acid):m (potassium dichromate)=1:1.0:3.1:0.6, reaction time is 50 min and reaction temperature is 45 degrees C. The expanded graphite prepared using the fine flake graphite that could go straight through a 160 mu m mesh has many good qualities, such as low mass, small pellet, resists high temperature and resists pressure. The expanded graphite is also an excellent material for antistatic and anti-electromagnetic. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
