Graphite-based infrastructures for handling molten metals and methods of forming thereof

A method of forming a graphite-based infrastructure for handling a molten metal that can withstand at least one of a high temperature and a high pressure, the method comprising:

• positioning a sealing structure between a first graphite component and a second graphite component, wherein:
• the first graphite component comprises a first-component initial end directly interfacing the sealing structure,
• the second graphite component comprises a second-component initial end directly interfacing the sealing structure,
• the sealing structure comprises one or more metals selected from the group consisting of titanium (Ti), zirconium (Zr), hafnium (Hf), silicon (Si), boron (B), and tungsten (W);
• and
• heating the sealing structure, the first-component initial end, and the second-component initial end to at least 600° C., thereby (a) forming a carbide-containing seal by converting the sealing structure, the first-component initial end, and the second-component initial end into the carbide-containing seal and (b) forming a first-component sealed end of the first graphite component and a second-component sealed end of the second graphite component.