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Silicon-based materials play a key role in a wide range of industrial materials. However, “silicon metal powder” and “silicon powder” are two similarly named materials that are often confused. Although both are in powder form, there are significant differences in their chemical nature, production processes, physical properties and application scenarios. In this article, we will dismantle these differences from a professional point of view to provide a scientific basis for industrial selection.
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Silicon metal powder, also known as industrial silicon powder, is a metallurgical grade silicon block as raw material by physical crushing made of powder. Its core component is crystalline silicon (Si), the purity is usually more than 98%, the appearance of silver gray or black, with a metallic luster. This high purity makes it a core material for high-end industries.
Silicon powder, commonly known as silicon micropowder or silicon ash, is a dusty by-product recovered from the smelting process of silicon metal and ferroalloys. Its main component is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), the content of which can reach 85%-97%, and contains a small amount of iron, aluminum and other impurities. Due to the extremely fine particles and volcanic ash activity, silica powder is widely used in building materials, refractories and other fields, realizing the resource utilization of industrial waste.
Silicon metal powder is silver gray or black in appearance, with metallic luster and semiconductor conductivity in high purity. Silicon powder has a wide range of colors, from white to dark gray, particle size is very fine, density is slightly lower, the overall insulating properties.
The chemical nature of silicon metal powder is monolithic silicon (Si), the purity of which is usually more than 98%, and it exists in the form of crystalline silicon, which is chemically stable at room temperature, and reacts with alkaline substances only under high temperature conditions.
The main component of silicon powder is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), with a purity range of 85%-97%, containing iron, aluminum and other impurities, belonging to the amorphous structure of the inorganic non-metallic materials, with significant volcanic activity, and can react with alkaline substances.
Silicon metal powder takes metallurgical grade silicon block as raw material, which is made from quartz sand through reduction smelting, and processed into powder by physical process, with high energy consumption in production process.
Silicon powder is a by-product of silicon metal in the smelting process of ferroalloys, the cost is mainly concentrated in the collection and screening process, with obvious cost advantages.
In the production of non-ferrous metal alloys, the addition of metallic silicon powder can regulate the hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the alloy.
When used in the production of silicon steel, as a deoxidizer, it can reduce the oxygen content in the steel liquid, and at the same time improve the magnetic conductivity and corrosion resistance of steel.
In addition, in the cast iron process, silicon metal powder can promote graphitization, improve the mechanical properties of cast iron and reduce casting defects.
High purity silicon metal powder can be further purified into monocrystalline silicon, which is the core raw material for the semiconductor industry: monocrystalline silicon is cut and polished into silicon wafers, which are used for the production of integrated circuits and other electronic components. In the photovoltaic industry, silicon metal powder can be made into polycrystalline silicon after purification, used in the production of solar panels.
Silicon metal powder is the basic raw material for the synthesis of silicone polymers, through the reaction with chlorine, oxygen and other elements to generate silicon monomer, and then produce various types of silicone products.
Silicone Rubber: Widely used in medical devices, automotive parts, aerospace field.
Silicone resin: used in the manufacture of high-temperature resistant coatings, insulating materials and adhesives, suitable for high-temperature equipment corrosion and electronic component encapsulation.
In high-temperature scenarios such as iron and steel smelting, glass manufacturing, etc., metallic silicon powder is used as a refractory additive: it can enhance the material's high-temperature resistance, oxidation resistance and scouring resistance, and extend the service life of the equipment.
Silicon powder is used in metallurgy as a non-ferrous additive and silicon steel alloying agent, which can enhance the hardenability of steel and optimize the mechanical properties of metal materials.
Silicon powder is the basic raw material for the synthesis of silicone materials, mainly used in the production of silicone rubber, silicone resin, silicone oil and other products. These materials are characterized by high temperature resistance, electrical insulation, corrosion resistance, waterproofing and so on.
Silicon powder is used as an antioxidant additive, which can significantly improve the material's high-temperature resistance, abrasion resistance and oxidation resistance, ensure the stable operation of the equipment in extreme high-temperature environments, and extend the service life of refractory materials.
Silicon powder is one of the core materials for the electronics and semiconductor industries:
High purity silicon powder is purified and made into monocrystalline silicon, which is then processed into silicon wafers and becomes the basic material for the production of electronic components.
Ultrafine silicon powder is widely used in the manufacture of photovoltaic cells to convert light energy into electricity, which is a key raw material for the solar energy industry.
Aluminum alloy improvement: Adding silicon metal powder to aluminum alloy can reduce casting defects while enhancing material strength and wear resistance.
Iron and steel industry optimization: as a deoxidizer and alloying agent, it reduces the oxygen content in steel, and improves the toughness, hardness and processing performance of steel.
Specialty alloy manufacturing: used in high temperature alloys and magnetic alloys to meet the special needs of aviation, electric power and other fields.
Outstanding thermal conductivity: It can dissipate heat efficiently, and is commonly used in the manufacture of heat sinks for electronic devices and thermal management components for batteries in new energy vehicles.
Semiconductor properties: High-purity silicon powder is processed to become monocrystalline silicon, which is the core material for integrated circuits (chips) and photovoltaic cells, and its semiconductor properties directly support the electronic information and renewable energy industries.
High melting point advantage: melting point up to about 1414 ° C, in the high temperature environment to maintain structural stability, can be used as refractory additives or high-temperature alloy components.
Corrosion resistance: except for hydrofluoric acid, it is not easy to react with acids and alkalis, and is suitable for corrosion-resistant scenarios such as anticorrosive coatings for chemical equipment and marine engineering materials.
As a semiconductor material, silicon is widely used in the manufacture of transistors, diodes and integrated circuits, forming the basis of the modern electronics industry.
With a melting point of approximately 1414°C, silicon powders exhibit excellent thermal stability in high-temperature environments, making them ideal for high-temperature industrial application scenarios.
Silica powder has a high degree of acid and alkali resistance, especially in the oxidized state will form a dense oxide layer, which further enhances its corrosion resistance and is suitable for corrosive environments such as chemical industry and marine engineering.
Despite the limited ductility of pure silicon, silicon powder can be processed through the powder metallurgy process to form a high-strength material, which is widely used in the manufacture of mechanical parts.
The essential difference between silicon metal powder and silicon powder is the different roles of “silicon element” and “silicon oxide” in the industrial system. From semiconductor wafers to construction concrete, from high-end alloys to recycled materials, both play irreplaceable roles in their respective fields. Only through a deep understanding of their characteristics and applications can we achieve the dual goals of production cost optimization and product performance enhancement.
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