[1] The graphitization process involves a restructuring of the molecular structure of the carbon material.
Graphitization generally occurs at high temperatures (up to 3,000 °C (5,430 °F)), and can be accelerated by catalysts such as iron or nickel.
[2] When carbonaceous material is exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time, the carbon atoms begin to rearrange and form layered crystal planes.
In the structure of graphite, carbon atoms are arranged in flat hexagonal sheets that are stacked on top of each other.
It can also be artificially induced during the manufacture of specific carbon materials, such as graphite electrodes used in fuel cells, nuclear reactors or metallurgical applications.