Uses Of Silicon

Silicon due to its unique metalloid properties has got application in various sectors. The applications of silicon are mentioned below:

Semiconductor Industry: Silicon is a key element in the manufacturing of semiconductors such as chipsets, transistors, integrated circuits and microprocessors. The semiconducting feature of silicon makes it to be the switch that either controls or amplifies the electrical signals in the electronic devices.

Solar Energy: Silicon is extensively used in the fabrication of photovoltaic cells used in solar panels. By using the photovoltaic effect solar silicon cells transform the sunlight into electricity, which makes silicon an important participant in the energy transition.

Metallurgical Industry: Silicon is employed in the process of alloy production; an example of alloys include ferro and aluminum silicon alloys. These mixed alloys are in use in metallurgical industry for deoxidation and enhancing the properties of the metals.

Construction Materials: Silicone is made from silicates that occur naturally and also from the melting of sand. It is used in the production of silicones, a class of synthetic materials that are used as sealants and adhesives in construction and waterproofing. Silicones provide reliable durability and specific resistance to high temperatures.

High-Temperature Applications: The semiconductor silicon carbide, an alloy of silicon and carbon, is known for its high resistance to wear and good thermal conductivity. It serves the production of abrasives, cutting tools, and as a refractory material at high temperatures.

Glass and Ceramics: Silicon dioxide (silica) is a essential for the making of glass and ceramics. Silicon participates in their formation, which causes these materials to be stronger, with higher heat resistance, and are transparent.

Electronics and Computers: The semiconductor field does not exhaust the application scope of silicon: it is also involved in different types of electronic components, like diodes and transistors. It is crucial electrical property of such material that makes it a base in the electronics and computer fields.

Medical Applications: Silicone, which in turn is derived from silicon is used in medical devices like implants, catheters or tubing among others, because of their biocompatibility and inert properties.

Silicon is second most abundant element found in earth’s crust. It constitutes about 27.7% of the total mass of earth’s crust. Silicon is represented by the symbol ‘Si’. Its atomic number is 14 and is found in group 14 and the third period of the periodic table. It is metalloid in nature and forms the backbone of the semiconductor industry. Due to its low reactivity, it is also used in body implants.

In this article, we will learn in detail about silicon, its symbol, properties, and applications.