NAME: KAYE OLUWANIFEMI

SALOME

MATRIC NUMBER: 210406505

COURSE CODE: MME 313

COURSE TITLE : MATERIALS IN

ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT

ASSIGNMENT: DIAMOND AND

GRAPHITE BOTH CONSIST OF PURE
CARBON BUT THEIR MATERIALS
PROPERTIES VARY SIGNIFICANTLY WHY?
 ASSIGNMENT
DIAMOND AND GRAPHITE BOTH CONSISTS OF PURE CARBON BUT THEIR
MATERIAL PROPERTIES VARY SIGNIFICANTLY WHY?

Before we get into this, let us first understand where both diamond and graphite
are gotten or derived from?

DIAMOND AND GRAPHITE

Diamonds and graphite are both naturally occurring forms of carbon, and they
are found in different geological settings.

Diamonds:

- Natural Formation: Diamonds are typically formed deep within the Earth's
mantle under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. Carbon atoms
undergo crystal lattice arrangements over millions of years, resulting in the
formation of diamonds.

- Volcanic Eruptions: Diamonds are brought closer to the Earth's surface through
volcanic eruptions, where they can be found in volcanic pipes or Kimberlite pipes.

Graphite:

Natural Formation: Graphite is also formed deep within the Earth's crust but
under less extreme conditions compared to diamond formation. It is often
associated with metamorphic rocks, where organic material, rich in carbon,
undergoes heat and pressure transformations.

Mining: Graphite is typically extracted from mines through conventional mining

methods. Natural graphite is often found in metamorphic rocks and veins.

CARBON
Carbon is a versatile and fundamental element in the periodic table, known for its
ability to form a vast array of compounds due to its unique atomic structure and
bonding characteristics. Here are some key aspects of carbon:
1. Atomic Structure:

Carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has six protons in its nucleus. Its
electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p², allowing for the formation of multiple bonds.

The carbon atom has four valence electrons, enabling it to form stable covalent
bonds with other atoms.

2. Allotropes:

Carbon exhibits various allotropes, each with distinct structures and properties.
Common allotropes include diamond, graphite, graphene, carbon nanotubes, and
fullerenes.

Diamond and graphite represent two extreme structures, showcasing the

versatility of carbon in forming diverse materials.

3. Organic Chemistry:

Carbon is the backbone of organic molecules, forming the basis of organic

chemistry. The vast majority of compounds found in living organisms, as well as in
fossil fuels, are carbon-based.

Organic compounds commonly contain carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds and can

form long chains, branched structures, or complex cyclic arrangements.

4. Biological Importance: Carbon is a crucial element for life on Earth. It plays a

central role in the structure of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids (DNA
and RNA), carbohydrates, and lipids.

The carbon cycle is vital for maintaining the balance of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere, and photosynthetic organisms, like plants, play a key role in this
cycle.

5. Material Science and Technology:

Carbon-based materials have diverse applications in various industries. For

example, carbon fibers are used in composites for aerospace and automotive
applications due to their strength and lightweight nature.
Carbon nanotubes and graphene have unique electrical and mechanical
properties, leading to applications in electronics, energy storage, and
nanotechnology.

6. Environmental Impact:

Carbon is a major component of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide

(CO2). Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, contribute to an
increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to concerns about climate
change.

7. Synthetic Diamonds:

Beyond natural diamonds, technological advancements have enabled the

synthesis of diamonds for various industrial purposes. High-pressure,
high-temperature methods and chemical vapor deposition are common
techniques for creating synthetic diamonds.

In summary, carbon is a foundational element with a rich chemistry that

influences diverse fields, from biology and materials science to environmental
science and technology. Its ability to form an extensive variety of compounds and
structures contributes to its significance in the natural world and human
applications.

ALLOTROPES OF CARBON
Carbon exhibits a remarkable diversity of allotropes, each with distinct structures,
properties, and applications. The most well-known allotropes of carbon include:

1. Diamond:

Structure: Diamond has a tetrahedral three-dimensional lattice structure. Each

carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms, forming a strong
and rigid network.

- Properties:

Exceptional hardness: Diamond is the hardest known natural material.

High refractive index: Gives diamond its brilliant appearance.

Good thermal conductivity: Due to the strong covalent bonds.

2. Graphite:

Structure: Graphite consists of planar hexagonal layers of carbon atoms. Within

each layer, carbon atoms are bonded in a hexagonal lattice, but layers are held
together by weak van der Waals forces.

- Properties:

Good electrical conductivity: Electrons can move freely within the layers.

Lubricating properties: Layers can slide past each other easily.

Relatively soft: Due to the weaker interlayer forces.

3. Graphene:

Structure: Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal

lattice. It is essentially a two-dimensional material.

- Properties:

Exceptional electrical conductivity: Electrons move ballistically through the lattice.

Mechanical strength: Stronger than steel.

Transparency: Allows light to pass through.

4. Carbon Nanotubes:

Structure: Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical structures formed by rolling graphene

sheets into seamless tubes.

- Properties:

Excellent strength and flexibility: High tensile strength.

Good electrical conductivity: Depending on the structure, nanotubes can be

conductive or semiconductive.

Potential applications in nanotechnology and materials science.

5. Fullerenes:

Structure: Fullerenes are molecules composed entirely of carbon, typically in the

form of spheres, ellipsoids, or tubes.

- Properties:

Unique cage-like structures: Spherical fullerenes are often referred to as

"buckyballs."

Potential applications in medicine, materials science, and nanotechnology.

6. Amorphous Carbon:

Structure: Unlike the well-defined structures of diamond and graphite,

amorphous carbon lacks a regular crystal lattice.

- Properties:

Lack of ordered structure: Leads to varied physical properties.

Used in applications such as carbon black, activated carbon, and certain forms of
soot.

7. Glassy Carbon:

Structure: Glassy carbon has a non-crystalline or amorphous structure.

- Properties:

High-temperature stability: Resistant to thermal shock.

Excellent electrical conductivity: Useful in electrodes and electronic applications.

Each allotrope of carbon has its unique set of properties, making them suitable
for various applications ranging from industrial uses and electronics to
nanotechnology and medical research. The versatility of carbon allotropes
contributes to their significance in both natural and synthetic contexts.

DIAMOND AND GRAPHITE : THE TWO MAIN ALLOTROPES OF

CARBON
The two main allotropes of carbon are diamond and graphite. These two forms of
carbon have dramatically different structures and properties, highlighting the
diverse nature of this element.

1. Diamond:

Structure:

Diamond has a tetrahedral three-dimensional lattice structure.

Each carbon atom is covalently bonded to four other carbon atoms, forming a
strong and rigid network.

Properties:

Hardness: Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance, making it ideal

for cutting, grinding, and drilling applications.

Refractive Index: It has a high refractive index, giving it a brilliant and sparkling
appearance.

Thermal Conductivity: Diamond exhibits excellent thermal conductivity due to the

strong covalent bonds.

2. Graphite:

Structure:

Graphite consists of planar hexagonal layers of carbon atoms.

Within each layer, carbon atoms are bonded in a hexagonal lattice, but layers are
held together by weak van der Waals forces.

Properties:

Electrical Conductivity: Graphite is a good conductor of electricity within the

layers, where electrons can move freely.

Lubricating Properties: The weak interlayer forces allow layers to slide past each
other easily, giving graphite its lubricating properties.
Softness: Graphite is relatively soft compared to diamond due to the weaker
interlayer forces.

Comparison:

Bonding: Diamond has a 3D network of strong covalent bonds, while graphite has
layers of hexagonally bonded carbon atoms.

Hardness: Diamond is the hardest known substance, whereas graphite is

relatively soft.

Electrical Conductivity: Diamond is an insulator, while graphite is a good

conductor within its layers.

Optical Properties: Diamond is transparent with a high refractive index, while

graphite is opaque.

Thermal Conductivity: Diamond has high thermal conductivity, whereas graphite

is a good thermal insulator in the plane of its layers.

APPLICATIONS OF DIAMOND AND GRAPHITE

Diamond: Used in jewelry, cutting tools, and industrial applications where
hardness is crucial. Also, diamonds have applications in electronics and as
semiconductors.

Graphite: Used as a lubricant, in pencils, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors.

It also has applications in batteries and as a material for heat exchangers.

These two allotropes showcase the extremes of carbon's versatility. While they
consist of the same element, their unique structures and properties lead to vastly
different practical applications in various industries.

NOW BACK TO THE ORIGINAL QUESTION :

We have established that both DIAMOND and GRAPHITE consist of pure Carbon
now we ned to explain why their material properties vary significantly.

Diamond and graphite are both allotropes of carbon, meaning they are different
structural forms of the same element. The significant variation in their material
properties can be attributed to their distinct atomic arrangements.
Atomic Structure:

Diamond: In diamond, each carbon atom forms strong covalent bonds with four
neighboring carbon atoms, creating a three-dimensional, tetrahedral lattice
structure. This strong network of covalent bonds results in a very rigid and hard
material.

Graphite: In graphite, carbon atoms form hexagonal layers, and each carbon atom
is bonded to three others within the same plane. However, these layers are
weakly held together by van der Waals forces, allowing the layers to slide past
each other easily. This gives graphite its lubricating properties.

Physical Properties:

Diamond: Due to its tightly bonded structure, diamond is exceptionally hard, has
a high melting point, and is a good conductor of heat.

Graphite: Graphite is a good conductor of electricity within its layers (in-plane

conductivity) due to the presence of delocalized electrons. It is also relatively soft
and has a lower melting point compared to diamond.

Optical Properties:

Diamond: Diamond has a high refractive index, which gives it its characteristic
sparkle and brilliance.

Graphite: Graphite is opaque and has a lower refractive index compared to

diamond.

Allotrope Transformation:

Under Pressure: Diamond can transform into graphite under extreme pressure
conditions.
Temperature: Graphite can be transformed into diamond under high temperature
and pressure conditions.

In summary, the differences in the atomic structure, bonding, and arrangement of

carbon atoms in diamond and graphite result in distinct material properties.
Diamond is hard, has high thermal conductivity, and is transparent, while graphite
is soft, has good electrical conductivity within its layers, and is opaque.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF DIAMOND AND GRAPHITE

The distinct material properties of diamond and graphite, both consisting of pure
carbon, can be explained in detail under five subgroups:

1. Atomic Structure and Bonding:

Diamond: In diamond, each carbon atom forms four strong covalent bonds with
its neighboring carbon atoms, creating a three-dimensional tetrahedral lattice
structure. This results in a highly rigid and tightly bonded network.

Graphite: In graphite, carbon atoms form hexagonal layers, and each carbon atom
is bonded to three others within the same plane. The layers, however, are held
together by weaker van der Waals forces, allowing them to slide past each other
easily.

2. Physical Properties:

Diamond: The robust covalent bonding in diamond contributes to its exceptional

hardness. It has a high melting point and is a good conductor of heat due to the
strong, rigid lattice structure.

Graphite: Graphite is relatively soft compared to diamond due to the weaker

interlayer forces. It also has a lower melting point and exhibits lubricating
properties as the layers can slide past one another.

3. Electrical Conductivity:
Diamond: The tetrahedral structure of diamond restricts the movement of
electrons, making it an insulator.

Graphite: While graphite is an excellent conductor of electricity within its layers

due to the presence of delocalized electrons, the weak bonding between layers
results in an overall anisotropic conductivity.

4. Optical Properties:

Diamond: Diamond has a high refractive index, leading to its brilliant and
sparkling appearance. Its transparency allows light to pass through easily.

Graphite: Graphite is opaque and has a lower refractive index compared to

diamond, making it non-reflective and non-transparent.

5. Allotrope Transformation:

Under Pressure: Diamond can transform into graphite under extreme pressure
conditions, showcasing the flexibility of carbon allotropes.

Temperature: Conversely, graphite can be transformed into diamond under

high-temperature and pressure conditions, emphasizing the reversible nature of
these transformations.

SUMMARY

In summary, the variations in material properties between diamond and graphite

arise from differences in their atomic structures, bonding, physical characteristics,
electrical conductivities, optical properties, and their ability to undergo allotrope
transformations under specific conditions. Each allotrope's unique arrangement
of carbon atoms gives rise to its distinct set of properties, showcasing the
versatility of carbon in forming diverse materials.

Diamond and graphite both consist of pure carbon, but their material properties
vary significantly due to differences in their atomic structures and bonding
arrangements.

Atomic Structure:
Diamond: Has a three-dimensional tetrahedral lattice structure where each
carbon atom is covalently bonded to four others.

Graphite: Consists of planar hexagonal layers where carbon atoms are bonded in
a hexagonal lattice within each layer, but layers are held together by weak van der
Waals forces.

Bonding:

Diamond: Strong, covalent bonds result in a rigid and hard structure.

Graphite: Weak interlayer forces allow layers to slide past each other easily, giving
it lubricating properties.

Electrical Conductivity:

Diamond: Insulator due to the lack of free electrons.

Graphite: Good conductor within its layers, allowing electrons to move freely.

Hardness:

Diamond: Exceptionally hard, making it suitable for cutting and grinding

applications.

Graphite: Relatively soft compared to diamond.

Optical Properties:

Diamond: Transparent with a high refractive index, giving it a brilliant appearance.

Graphite: Opaque with a lower refractive index compared to diamond.

In summary, the diverse material properties of diamond and graphite arise from
the distinct arrangements of carbon atoms. Diamond's 3D network of strong
covalent bonds results in hardness and transparency, while graphite's layered
structure with weak interlayer forces leads to softness, electrical conductivity, and
lubricating properties. The unique characteristics of each allotrope are a
consequence of their specific atomic structures and bonding patterns.

It's interesting to note that, despite both being forms of carbon, the different
geological processes and conditions lead to the distinct structures and properties
of diamond and graphite. Additionally, synthetic methods exist for producing both
diamond and graphite for various industrial applications, but these processes
differ from their natural geological formation.