Silicon metal is an important
material for chemical and electronic industries and for producers
of aluminium alloys. Quartz and the carbon materials coal and
coke are raw materials for the silicon metal
production.
Aluminium alloys
In aluminium alloys, silicon increases
intensity, toughness and casting property. End-user includes
the automotive industry, construction and civil engineering,
etc.
Electronics
More than *0 percent of all electronic
components are based on silicon metal supplied to companies
that produce polysilicones (polycrystalline silicone), which
are used in the manufacturer of semi-conductors such as
microchips for computers, metal plates for solar panels, and
so-called opto-electronic components for communication
systems.
Silicone
In the chemical industry, silicon metal is used to produce
silicone, a synthetic polymer (a string of long molecular
chains) with special and varying properties. Silicones have
stable thermal properties, which are resistant to decomposition
and chemicals, and are biologically adaptable. A distinction is
made between hard, pliable and liquid silicone. Among others,
silicones are used in lubricants, sealing compounds, cosmetics,
textiles, electrical insulation materials for medical
equipment, and car parts.
