Ann: Kasiya's Graphite Suitable for Expandable/Expanded Markets, page-2

A broad suitability claim from a lab test does not equate to actual flame retardants, suppressants, or foil application qualifications. There are a number of other metrics that were not listed including mesh size distribution targets, halogen limits (MIN / MAX) and most importantly for fire retardants, onset temps, pH, etc. Also, any expandable graphite that exceeds ~350 cm3/g will disqualify most suppliers due to over expansion especially in foils.

There are many other applications for qualifiable expandable graphite including automotive, aerospace, and commercial goods as a fire retardant.

Also, Benchmark's pricing is not accurate and as I have mentioned on many other occasions, all pricing provided by Benchmark is Chinese based and the average sales price for QUALIFIABLE coarse flake graphite ranges from US$ 2,200 to US$ 2,400 Mt EXW / Dependent on volumes, commercial terms, inventory management, etc. (20x50) +597 that meets specs on pH, mesh size distribution, expansion rate, and halogen content. Northern Graphite (LDI Mine) is considered by many end users as the reference coarse flake material that all other potential suppliers are measured.

One use of qualifiable expanded graphite is primary alkaline batteries as a conductive additive and Duracell has been using IMERYS expanded graphite products for more than 25 years.

As for the other applications listed for expanded graphite, processors of gaskets, seals; these are produced by the end user from expandable graphite under specific production controls then calendared) pressed / rolled) to specific thicknesses for various applications.

Benchmark has no direct field sales experience; hence the majority of their information is obtained from the public domain or from Chinese processors, traders, or other Chinese sources as no potential or existing graphite powder producer around the globe would provide ANY proprietary information to a third-party marketing firm for public dissemination.