Graphite is commonly used as a carburizing agent in the steelmaking process, where it is added to molten metal to increase its carbon content. This process, known as carburizing or carbonization, is essential for the production of high-quality steel with desirable mechanical properties, such as hardness and wear resistance.

During carburizing, the graphite reacts with the iron in the molten metal to form iron carbides, which increase the carbon content of the steel. The amount of graphite added to the molten metal depends on the desired carbon content of the steel, with higher amounts of graphite resulting in higher carbon content.

Graphite is a popular choice for carburizing due to its high carbon content, which makes it an effective carburizing agent. It is also relatively inexpensive and widely available. However, it is important to use high-quality graphite in the steelmaking process to ensure consistent results and avoid impurities that can negatively impact the quality of the steel.

In addition to its use as a carburizing agent, graphite also has many other applications in the steel industry, including as a lubricant and as a component of refractory materials used in high-temperature applications.