What makes graphite a useful dry lubricant?

Graphite is a naturally occurring mineral that has many useful properties. It is a dry lubricant meaning it does not require any water or oil to lubricate surfaces. Graphite is useful as a dry lubricant because of its following properties:

• It is non-reactive and chemically inert meaning it does not interact with other compounds and will not corrode or react with other surfaces.
• It has a low coefficient of friction meaning that surfaces coated in graphite will slide against each other with minimal resistance.
• It is electrically conductive meaning it can be used to dissipate static electricity.
• It is thermally conductive meaning it can help dissipate heat from surfaces it coats.

These properties make graphite a useful dry lubricant in many applications such as in the manufacture of locks automotive parts and even as a coating for medical instruments.