Silicon Metal: Properties and Production

Silicon is a grey and lustrous semi-conductive metal that is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust and the eighth-most common element in the universe. Its atomic structure includes four valence electrons that allow it to bond readily with other elements, making it critical to its role as a semiconductor and its use in electronics.

Properties

Silicon is a semi-metal with properties of both metals and non-metals.It contracts in its liquid state and expands as it solidifies.It has relatively high melting and boiling points.When crystallized, it forms a diamond cubic crystal structure.

Production

The alloy of iron and silicon is produced using a submerged electric arc furnace via reduction smelting. Silica-rich ore and a carbon source such as coking coal are crushed and loaded into the furnace along with scrap iron. At temperatures over 1900℃, carbon reacts with the oxygen present in the ore, forming carbon monoxide gas. The remaining iron and silicon then combine to make molten ferrosilicon, which can be collected by tapping the base of the furnace.