Silicon is a low density element having nonmetallic characteristics. The production of silicon from silica is discussed as is silicon refining technology. The primary uses of silicon are in the chemical, aluminum, and electronics industries. Silicon is the chemical precursor of silicones, a versatile, fast‐growing market, and of advanced ceramics such as silicon nitride. Silicon forms an integral part of the aluminum parts industry; aluminum–silicon alloys are readily cast. Silicon is also important to aluminum production.
Silicon forms alloys with a large number of metallic elements. Many of these alloys are of utmost importance to the production and refining of irons and steels. The most prevalent are the ferrosilicons, production of which is discussed.
Silicon, a low density chemical element having nonmetallic characteristics, is the second most abundant element in the lithosphere (after oxygen). Silicon occurs naturally in the form of oxides and silicates and constitutes over 25% of the earth's crust.
The production of silicon from silica and silicon refining technology are discussed in this article as well as the primary uses in the chemical, aluminum, solar electronics, and ceramic industries are also discussed. Silicon is the chemical precursor of silicones, a versatile, fast‐growing market, and of advanced ceramics such as silicon nitride. It forms alloys with a large number of metallic elements; many of these alloys are of importance to the production and refining of irons and steels. The most prevalent are the ferrosilicons, production of which is discussed. Silicon is also one of the leading elements used for making photovoltaic cells for conversion of sun light to electricity and for manufacturing semiconductors in the electronics industry.
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