Pyrolytic Graphite APG (APG / TPG)
Heat-treated state
Pick when maximum in-plane thermal conductivity (>1200 W/m·K) is needed for encapsulated heat spreaders and satellite thermal doublers.
Values for the APG condition
Other Pyrolytic Graphite tempers and conditions
Pyrolytic Graphite is listed in 5 conditions; see the grade overview at Pyrolytic Graphite.
Compare all 5 conditionsHide
| Condition · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness | Conductivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mosaic spread 0.8° ± 0.2° | General-purpose HOPG: good crystalline quality for SPM calibration and electrochemistry at moderate cost. | — | 35 | 0.15 | 8 HV | 1,600 W/m·K |
mosaic spread 0.4° ± 0.1° | Highest-perfection HOPG for X-ray/neutron monochromators and reference-flat AFM/STM substrates; smallest pieces, highest price. | — | 40 | — | — | 1,800 W/m·K |
mosaic spread 3.5° ± 1.5° | Economy HOPG grade for routine STM/AFM substrates, electrode blanks and teaching use where mosaic spread is uncritical. | — | 50 | 0.2 | 12 HV | 1,200 W/m·K |
APGThis page APG / TPG | Pick when maximum in-plane thermal conductivity (>1200 W/m·K) is needed for encapsulated heat spreaders and satellite thermal doublers. | — | 80 | — | — | 1,500 W/m·K |
PGDefault As-deposited pyrolytic graphite | Standard CVD plate/tube stock: impermeable, moderate in-plane conductivity, best strength-to-cost of the PG family. | — | 100 | — | — | 300 W/m·K |
What is Pyrolytic Graphite APG?
Pyrolytic Graphite APG is Pyrolytic Graphite heat treated to APG — pick when maximum in-plane thermal conductivity (>1200 W/m·K) is needed for encapsulated heat spreaders and satellite thermal doublers. Pyrolytic Graphite APG has a tensile strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi), weaker than 53% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.3% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi). Pyrolytic Graphite APG has a density of 2.24 g/cm³ (0.0809 lb/in³), lighter than 87% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F). PG is the default condition FabDigit quotes; APG is available on request or by drawing note.
Advantages
- Conducts heat well — 1,500 W/m·K (866.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 101% of ceramic grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 0.3%, better than 91% of ceramic grades
- Lightweight — 2.24 g/cm³ (0.0809 lb/in³), better than 87% of ceramic grades
- Easy to machine — 45/100, better than 86% of ceramic grades
Limitations
- Low stiffness — 45 GPa (6.53 Msi), worse than 85% of ceramic grades
- Low fracture toughness — 1 MPa·√m (0.91 ksi·√in), worse than 84% of ceramic grades
- High embodied carbon — 25 kg CO₂/kg, worse than 78% of ceramic grades
- Limited service temperature — 450°C (842 °F), worse than 77% of ceramic grades
Pyrolytic Graphite APG properties
Typical room-temperature values for Pyrolytic Graphite APG; 11 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are Pyrolytic Graphite reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among ceramic grades.
Physical3
Pyrolytic Graphite APG has a density of 2.24 g/cm³ (0.0809 lb/in³), lighter than 87% of ceramic grades. It melts at 3,650°C (6,602 °F).
Mechanical11
Pyrolytic Graphite APG has a tensile strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi), weaker than 53% of ceramic grades. Elongation at break is 0.3% and the elastic modulus is 45 GPa (6.53 Msi).
Thermal5
Pyrolytic Graphite APG is rated for continuous service to 450°C (842 °F). It conducts heat at 1,500 W/m·K (866.7 BTU/hr·ft·°F), better than 101% of ceramic grades. Thermal expansion is 0.5 µm/m·K (0.278 µin/in·°F).
Electrical2
Pyrolytic Graphite APG has an electrical resistivity of 1×10⁻⁶ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental2
Corrosion resistance is excellent (85/100), better than 69% of ceramic grades.
Sustainability3
Producing a kilogram of Pyrolytic Graphite APG takes about 350 MJ of energy and emits 25 kg of CO₂ — more than 81% of ceramic grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability3
Pyrolytic Graphite APG's machinability is fair (45/100, better than 86% of ceramic grades).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with Pyrolytic Graphite APG
Is Pyrolytic Graphite easy to machine?
Cuts and grinds easily with carbide/diamond tools dry, but must be supported and fed lightly to avoid basal-plane delamination; EDM and laser cutting also used; capture the conductive dust.
Can Pyrolytic Graphite be welded?
Not weldable — joined by graphite cement, brazing with active (Ti/Cr) filler metals, or mechanical clamping / metal encapsulation for APG heat spreaders.
Can Pyrolytic Graphite be formed, bent or molded?
Net shape is set by CVD onto a mandrel (tubes, crucibles, plates); no plastic forming, and thick deposits must be annealed under pressure to reach APG/HOPG texture.
What surface finishes work on Pyrolytic Graphite?
Basal surfaces are refreshed by adhesive-tape cleaving rather than polishing; CVD SiC/pyrolytic-carbon or metal (Ni, Cu) coatings are applied for oxidation protection and solderability.
Pyrolytic Graphite chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| ashtotal metallic impurities, typically <20 ppm | 0 – 0.01 | 0 |
| CCVD-deposited carbon; HOPG grades typically >99.99 % | ≥ 99.9 (balance) | — |
Pyrolytic Graphite APG — frequently asked
What is Pyrolytic Graphite APG used for?
Pyrolytic Graphite APG is typically used for heat spreaders, susceptors for CVD/MOCVD, X-ray monochromators and aerospace thermal insulation. In short: highest in-plane conductivity; densest graphite form; strongly anisotropic properties.
What is the tensile strength of Pyrolytic Graphite APG?
Pyrolytic Graphite APG has a typical tensile strength of 80 MPa (11.6 ksi) — weaker than 53% of ceramic grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 5 listed tempers.
Is Pyrolytic Graphite APG easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (45/100, better than 86% of ceramic grades). Cuts and grinds easily with carbide/diamond tools dry, but must be supported and fed lightly to avoid basal-plane delamination; EDM and laser cutting also used; capture the conductive dust.
Can Pyrolytic Graphite APG be welded?
Not weldable — joined by graphite cement, brazing with active (Ti/Cr) filler metals, or mechanical clamping / metal encapsulation for APG heat spreaders.
What surface finishes work on Pyrolytic Graphite APG?
Basal surfaces are refreshed by adhesive-tape cleaving rather than polishing; CVD SiC/pyrolytic-carbon or metal (Ni, Cu) coatings are applied for oxidation protection and solderability.
Can Pyrolytic Graphite APG be formed, bent or molded?
Net shape is set by CVD onto a mandrel (tubes, crucibles, plates); no plastic forming, and thick deposits must be annealed under pressure to reach APG/HOPG texture.
What is the maximum service temperature of Pyrolytic Graphite APG?
Pyrolytic Graphite APG is rated for continuous use to about 450°C (842 °F). Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- ASM Engineered Materials Handbook Vol. 4: Ceramics and Glasses — Carbon and Graphite — ASM International (1991)
- Pyroid HT / Pyroid TC pyrolytic graphite property data — Minteq International (Pyrogenics Group) (2020)
- TC1050 Thermal Pyrolytic Graphite (TPG) datasheet — Momentive Technologies (2021)
- HOPG grades ZYA / ZYB / ZYH specification sheet — SPI Supplies / NT-MDT (2022)
- Graphite single-crystal and pyrolytic graphite property tables — CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (2023)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.