What Is Silicon Metal And Where To Use It?

Pure silicon metal (symbol Si) is a gray metallic luster metalloid element. Metallurgical grade silicon is known as metallic silicon because of its lustrous appearance.

Silicon is mainly used in the manufacture of silanes and silicones, as a "hardener" or alloying element in the production of aluminum alloys, and in the manufacture of microprocessors and solar cells.

Silicon is also used as a secondary smelting additive in photonic device manufacturing and industrial refractory manufacturing.

Silicon metal is usually produced by smelting ore thermal electric arc furnaces, an energy-intensive process. The material is further processed into different product grades, making it suitable for many industrial processes.

The industry is investing in R&D, the development of high-value silicon relevant to the photovoltaic market, as well as battery applications.