Silicon Metal

Introduction to Silicon Metal:

Industrial silicon, also known as Silicon Metal, is a commodity name that emerged in the mid-1960s. Silicon Metal is a product obtained by smelting silicon stone and carbonaceous reducing agents in a mine furnace, with the main component being silicon, typically around 98% (in recent years, products with silicon content of 99.99% are also categorized as Silicon Metal). The remaining impurities include iron, aluminum, calcium, and others.

Specifications of Silicon Metal:

Silicon Metal is categorized into various specifications based on the content of impurities such as iron, aluminum, and calcium. It can be divided into different grades, such as 553, 441, 411, 421, 3303, 3305, 2202, 2502, 1501, and 1101. Additional products derived from Silicon Metal include microsilica powder, ferrosilicon, black silicon, and Silicon Metal slag. Microsilica powder, also known as silica fume, finds extensive applications in refractory materials and the concrete industry.

Primary Uses of Silicon Metal:

1、Aluminum Alloy Industry: Silico-aluminum alloys are the most widely used silicon alloys. Silico-aluminum alloy is a strong composite deoxidizer that can improve the utilization of deoxidizers in the steelmaking process, replacing pure aluminum. It can purify the steel liquid and enhance the quality of steel products. The demand for Silicon Metal is significant in industries like automotive manufacturing, where aluminum is extensively used. Therefore, the development of the automotive industry in a region or country directly affects the market for Silicon Metal.

2、Non-Ferrous Alloy Additive: Silicon Metal is used as an alloying agent for demanding applications such as silicon steel. It serves as a deoxidizer in the production of special steel and non-ferrous alloys.

3、Chemical Industry: Silicon Metal is employed in the chemical industry for the production of silicone rubber, silicone resin, silicone oil, and other organosilicon products. Silicone rubber has excellent elasticity and high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for manufacturing medical equipment and high-temperature gaskets. Silicone resin is used in the production of insulating varnishes and high-temperature coatings. Silicone oil, with its viscosity being minimally affected by temperature, is used in the production of advanced lubricants, polishes, fluid springs, dielectric fluids, and can also be processed into colorless transparent liquids for high-grade waterproofing coatings applied to buildings.

4、Solar and Electronics Industries: Silicon Metal is processed to produce polycrystalline silicon and monocrystalline silicon after a series of purification processes. These materials are essential for the photovoltaic industry and the electronics industry. Polycrystalline silicon is primarily used in the manufacture of solar cells, which are widely used in solar roof installations, commercial power stations, and urban power stations. Monocrystalline silicon is a key material for the production of modern large-scale integrated circuits and optical fibers. It can be said that quasi-metallic silicon has become a fundamental pillar industry in the information age.

In summary, Silicon Metal has diverse applications across various industries, including steel, aluminum alloy, chemical, solar, and electronics, playing a crucial role in each of them.