Silicon Metal is known as a semi-metallic or metalloid, having several of the characteristics of metals. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen, naturally occurring in various forms of silicon dioxide or silicates and very rarely in its pure form in volcanic exhalations.

Most metallurgical silicon metal is used as an alloying agent in the aluminium industry due to its ability to increase the strength of aluminium. Demand from the aluminium industry has grown steadily in recent years due to increased usage of aluminium in structural engineering, aircraft manufacture and the automotive industry. Aluminium alloys are lighter and more resistant to corrosion than carbon-steel and can be made by addition of metals such as copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese as well as silicon.

Properties of silicon metal

Most metallurgical silicon metal is used as an alloying agent in the aluminium industry due to its ability to increase the strength of aluminium. Demand from the aluminium industry has grown steadily in recent years due to increased usage of aluminium in structural engineering, aircraft manufacture and the automotive industry. Aluminium alloys are lighter and more resistant to corrosion than carbon-steel and can be made by addition of metals such as copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese as well as silicon.

Uses of silicon metal

Adding silicon metal to aluminium alloys makes them strong and light. As a result they are increasingly used in the automotive industry to replace heavier cast iron components. This allows weight reductions, a reduction in fuel consumption, increased efficiencies and subsequent benefits to the environment by reducing the greenhouse gas emissions and conserving fossil fuels.

There is increasing demand for silicon metal used in the manufacture of solar panels, currently a buoyant industry. Silicon based polymers are also used as alternatives to hydrocarbon based products. They can appear in many every day products such as lubricants, greases, resins, skin and hair products. Another common use of silicon is silicon chips, produced from semi-conductor grade silicon, which are components used in many every day electronic devices.

Silicon is used an alloying element in production of Aluminium. It imparts strength and reduces weight of the metal. Silicon is also used in manufacture of solar panels. Besides, silicon is used in many day to day products like lubricants, greases etc. Silicon chips (made from semi-conductor grade silicon) are used in many electronic devices. It is also used in ceramics, pyrotechnics, ammunition, refractories, vapor deposition etc.

Application Industry

1. Silicone field: silicone oil, silicone rubber, silane coupling agent, etc.

2. Polysilicon field: solar photovoltaic and semiconductor materials

3. Aluminum alloy field: automobile engine, wheel hub, etc.