The physical properties of silicon

The chemical properties of silicon

In addition to being a crucial material for semiconductors, silicon has many other widespread applications:

l Silicon minerals are used as structural compounds，such as clay, silica sand, building mortar, plaster, and building stones.

l Silicon minerals are also employed in the production of concrete.

l Silicon dioxide is used to manufacture refractory bricks for furnace linings.

l It is utilized in the production of white ceramics like soda-lime glass and porcelain.

l Silicon dioxide is essential in making optical fibers, which are widely used in telecommunications and computer networks.

l It is used to produce fiberglass and glass wool, which are crucial for structural support and insulation.

l Silicon is used to manufacture mechanical seals and waterproof materials.

l Wax and high-temperature lubricants are made from silicon.

l For medical purposes, silicon is used in breast implants and contact lenses.

l Silicon is used to make high-temperature alloys.

l Silicon is essential for producing silicon wafers, which have extensive applications in the semiconductor industry.

l Silicon is also vital for human health; the density of human skin, nails, hair, and bones depends on the silicon content.

l Silicone resins are synthetic polymers produced from silicon.

l Solar cells, semiconductor detectors, transistors, and other semiconductor devices used in the computer industry are all made from silicon.

l Silicon is a crucial component of integrated circuits (ICs), which are fundamental to our electronic devices, such as computers and mobile phones.

l Free silicon is used in the cast aluminum and steel refining industries.