Silicon is a nonmetallic element used in various industrial applications, including computer chips. It was first isolated in 1824 and commonly appears in the form of a compound. Silicates are used in many industrial processes, while silicone is a chemical compound used in soaps, medical implants, and synthetic materials. Silicon is commonly harvested and produced in large quantities, with China and the United States being major producers. Manufacturers are constantly finding new uses for silicon, and sales growth is expected to continue.
Silicon is an abundant nonmetallic element found throughout the universe. Along with its various compounds, it is used in a wide variety of industrial applications including metal alloys, circuit boards, soaps and glass. It is probably best known for its use in computer chips and gave its name to Silicon Valley, home to the technology industry in the United States.
This element was first isolated in 1824 by a Swedish chemist named Jons Jacob Berzelius. In pure form, it has a crystalline structure and occupies the 14th place on the periodic table, where it is written as Si. Silicon most commonly appears in the form of a compound such as silica (SiO2), where it is combined with oxygen, which it usually takes the form of sand. The compounds can be treated to release the bonded silicon, or used as-is to take advantage of the compound’s unique properties. Silicon carbide (SiC), for example, has a hardness that rivals diamond.
When silicon is mixed with other elements, the compound is often known as a silicate. Silicates are extremely abundant and are used in a wide range of industrial processes. They can be heated or treated with other chemical compounds to release their silicon or to bond with other materials for various purposes. When alloyed with metal, this element increases the strength and hardness of the metal. Most industries use silicates in their products to make them stronger and more durable. The element is also commonly used as a base material for sealants, caulks, and some types of synthetic oils.
Some consumers confuse the pure item with silicone, which is a chemical compound. Silicone contains silicon and takes advantage of many of its mineral properties. The compound is used in soaps and medical implants, insulators, and synthetic materials. Nonstick bakeware, sealants, and electrical shields are also made from silicone, which is highly durable and flexible.
The abundance and myriad uses of silicon make it a commonly harvested element. Production is counted in the hundreds of tons worldwide, with nations such as China and the United States making up the bulk. The element is exported in pure form for manufacturing and is also sold as commercial finished products. Manufacturers are constantly looking for new uses for the abundant and inexpensive element, and sales growth is expected to continue soaring indefinitely.
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