The conductivity of graphite is 100 times higher than that of ordinary nonmetallic ores. The thermal conductivity is higher than that of steel, iron, lead and other metal materials. The thermal conductivity decreases with the increase of temperature, and even at extremely high temperatures, graphite becomes an insulator. The reason why graphite can conduct electricity is that each carbon atom in graphite and other carbon atoms only form three covalent bonds, and each carbon atom still retains one free electron to transfer charge.

Graphite rod is often used as the heating element of high temperature vacuum furnace. The maximum operating temperature can reach 3000 ℃. It is easy to oxidize at high temperature. Except for vacuum, it can only be used in neutral or reducing atmosphere. Its thermal expansion coefficient is small, its thermal conductivity is large, and its resistance coefficient is (8~13) × 10-6 Ω · m, better processability than SiC and MoSi2 rods, high temperature resistance, good resistance to extreme cold and extreme heat, and lower price.