Graphite and diamond have the same quality composition. Why are their physical properties so different?
Graphite and diamond are allotropic modifications of the same chemical element – carbon. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that diamond and graphite have different crystal structures. In diamond, the lattice consists of crystals, where each carbon atom is surrounded by the same atoms, and the whole structure has a geometric shape – a tetrahedron. The atomic lattice determines the diamond’s high strength and hardness. The graft has a lattice structure. Carbon atoms are located in the same plane. They are connected by ties into geometric shapes – hexagons. the bonds in the lattice are fragile. Therefore, graphite is inferior to diamond in strength and hardness, but differs in refractoriness. Under certain conditions, their graphite can be obtained by diamond. In this case, high temperatures and increased pressure are used.