Material Composition & Production
Reinforced flexible graphite gasket material is manufactured through a multi-stage process: Natural graphite flakes undergo chemical intercalation and thermal expansion (1000-1200°C), generating expanded graphite with a bulk density of 3.2 kg/m³. This base material is then mechanically reinforced with stainless steel mesh (304/316L) or perforated alloy foils through high-pressure lamination, creating a hybrid structure that combines graphite's inherent properties with metallic reinforcement.

Structural Advantages

• Enhanced Tensile Strength: 15-25 MPa vs. 5-8 MPa for non-reinforced grades

• Directional Compression Stability: ≤5% thickness variation under 50 MPa cyclic loading

• Pressure Adaptability: Effective sealing from vacuum (10⁻³ Pa) to 40 MPa systems

• Thermal Bridging: Reduced heat transfer across sealed interfaces (Thermal conductivity: 5-20 W/m·K adjustable)

Operational Performance

• Temperature Range: -240°C (cryogenic) to +850°C (oxidizing environments)

• Chemical Compatibility: Resists 98% concentrated H₂SO₄, 50% NaOH, and hydrocarbon fluids

• Creep Resistance: <0.2% permanent deformation after 2000h at 300°C/25 MPa

Industrial Applications

1. High-Pressure Energy Systems:

   • Oil & gas wellhead sealing (API 6A/ISO 10423 compliant)

   • Hydrogen compressor valve stack gaskets

2. Heavy Industrial Machinery:

   • Turbine flange seals for power generation

   • Hydraulic press platen insulation

3. Transportation Engineering:

   • Fuel cell bipolar plate sealing in hydrogen vehicles

   • High-speed train brake system thermal barriers

4. Process Industry:

   • Reactor manway seals in petrochemical plants

   • Pharmaceutical autoclave door gaskets (FDA 21 CFR 177.2600)

Technical Specifications

Customization Options

• Multi-layer staggered reinforcement patterns

• Edge welding protection for corrosive media

• Pre-cut gaskets with alignment dowel holes

• Fire-safe certification (API 607/ISO 10497)

This engineered material achieves 50% longer service life than conventional graphite gaskets in pulsating pressure conditions, validated through ASTM F586 5000-cycle test protocols. Its hybrid design enables simultaneous sealing and structural load-bearing capabilities, particularly critical in modular equipment and compact flange configurations.