Description:
Silicon is a metalloid and carries the typical properties of both metals and nonmetals. It is extremely inert and insoluble in water and acids. However, it can be dissolved into silicates by hot alkaline lyes. Pure silicon forms dark gray, metallic, shiny crystals. Silicon also has excellent thermal conductivity, which – in pure silicon – is accompanied by extremely low electrical conductivity. When alloyed with aluminium, it enhances strength and reduces weight.
Applications:
- Used in semiconductor technology.
- High-purity silicon (> 99.99 percent) is used for computer microchips, transistors and solar cells.
- Applied as a raw material in the manufacture of reaction-bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) and for the metal infiltration of high-purity silicon carbide (SiC).
- Used in the automotive industry in place of heavy cast iron components.
- Used in lubricants, grease, resin, and cosmetic products.
- Used to create solar panels in the the solar power generating industry due to its weight reduction properties.
