Copper electrodes, carbon composite materials, and other materials have demonstrated the potential to replace graphite electrodes in certain fields, but the extent of substitution varies depending on factors such as application scenarios, costs, and performance requirements. Below is a specific analysis of the substitution potential of these two materials:
Substitution of Graphite Electrodes by Copper Electrodes
Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) Field:
- Advantages: Graphite electrodes offer advantages in EDM, including low electrode consumption, fast discharge machining speed, good mechanical machinability, light weight, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion. However, copper electrodes remain irreplaceable in certain specific scenarios. For instance, in machining requiring extremely high precision and surface quality, copper electrodes are favored due to their excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical machining properties.
- Substitution Situation: In Europe, over 90% of electrode materials used by mold enterprises are graphite, indicating the dominant position of graphite electrodes in EDM. However, in China, due to historical reasons and cost considerations, most mold enterprises still choose copper as their primary electrode material. Nevertheless, with the continuous development of graphite electrode technology and cost reductions, the market share of copper electrodes in the EDM field may gradually decline.
Other Fields:
- In battery and conductive material fields, copper electrodes are widely used due to their superior electrical conductivity. In these areas, graphite electrodes find it difficult to replace copper electrodes because of their relatively poor electrical conductivity.
Substitution of Graphite Electrodes by Carbon Composite Materials
Photovoltaic Field:
- Advantages: Carbon/carbon (C/C) composite materials exhibit superior heat resistance, mechanical properties, and lifespan, with costs gradually decreasing. In the photovoltaic thermal field, C/C composites have gradually replaced graphite as the mainstream material. For example, in Czochralski (CZ) single-crystal silicon furnaces, C/C composites are replacing isostatic pressed graphite materials due to their enhanced mechanical properties at high temperatures, higher safety, and cost-effectiveness.
- Substitution Situation: With the rapid development of the photovoltaic industry and the continuous advancement of C/C composite technology, their market share in the photovoltaic thermal field will continue to expand. It is anticipated that within the next few years, C/C composites will completely replace graphite in the photovoltaic thermal field.
Lithium-ion Battery Anode Field:
- Advantages: C/C composites, due to their excellent performance and cost-effectiveness, have the potential to expand into the lithium-ion battery anode field to replace graphite thermal fields. According to a research report by China International Capital Corporation (CICC), the substitution process of C/C composites in the lithium-ion battery anode field will accelerate as costs continue to decline.
- Substitution Situation: Currently, the application of C/C composites in the lithium-ion battery anode field is still in its infancy. However, with ongoing technological advancements and cost reductions, the likelihood of their substituting graphite electrodes will gradually increase.
Other Fields:
- Carbon composite materials also have broad application prospects in industries such as automotive and aerospace. For example, in the automotive brake disc field, C/C composites are expected to achieve a breakthrough from 0 to 1, replacing traditional materials.
Post time: Aug-21-2025