What is Silicon Metal?

What is Silicon Metal?

Metallic Silicon, also known as Industrial Silicon or结晶硅 (crystalline silicon), is a fundamental industrial raw material. It is produced by smelting quartzite and other materials in a submerged arc furnace using carbonaceous reducing agents. This process yields silicon with a purity typically ranging from 97% to 99.8%. It appears as a dark gray solid with a metallic luster, is hard and brittle, and possesses a high melting point, good heat resistance, high resistivity, and is highly oxidation-resistant.

Metallic Silicon boasts several crucial properties that make it invaluable across various industries:

· High Melting Point and Good Heat Resistance: It can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for applications in demanding thermal environments.
· High Resistivity: It has high electrical resistivity, which is crucial for its use in semiconductor applications. The resistivity can vary based on purity and impurity content, influencing its conductivity.
· Chemical Stability: It exhibits good resistance to reaction in various chemical and high-temperature environments, which is essential for its use in chemical synthesis and material science.

Metallic Silicon is classified into different grades based on its content of impurities like iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and calcium (Ca).   The common models include:

Model Fe ≤ (%) Al ≤ (%) Ca ≤ (%)
1101 0.1 0.1 0.01
1501 0.15 0.15 0.01
2202 0.2 0.2 0.02
3303 0.3 0.3 0.03
411 0.4 0.1 0.1
421 0.4 0.2 0.1
441 0.4 0.4 0.1
553 0.5 0.5 0.3

The applications of Metallic Silicon are extensive:
· Aluminum Alloys: It is a primary alloying element to enhance the strength, fluidity, and corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys, widely used in automotive and aerospace components.
· Organic Silicone Industry: It is a key raw material for producing silicone monomers and polymers, which are used to make silicones, resins, oils, rubber, lubricants, and waterproofing agents.
· Semiconductor and Electronics: High-purity silicon is essential for manufacturing semiconductors, integrated circuits, transistors, and solar cells, forming the backbone of the information age.
· Chemical Industry: Its chemical stability makes it suitable for producing various silicon-based chemicals and耐腐蚀 (corrosion-resistant) materials.
· Steel Industry: Used as a deoxidizer and alloying agent to improve steel quality and performance.

In summary, Metallic Silicon is a versatile and indispensable material with critical roles in modern metallurgy, chemicals, and electronics, driven by its unique physical and chemical properties.