What is Silicon Metal Used For?

The term "silicon metal" refers to a commercial product that is 96-99% pure silicon. It is a critical raw material for several massive industries:

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  ​​Primary Use: Aluminum Alloys (~55% of consumption)​​

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    Adding silicon metal to molten aluminum significantly improves its strength, castability, and corrosion resistance. Almost all aluminum products, from car engine blocks (castings) to window frames (extrusions), use aluminum-silicon alloys.

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  ​​Silicones and Siloxanes (~35% of consumption)​​

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    Silicon metal is the fundamental raw material for producing a vast family of synthetic materials called ​​silicones​​. These include:

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      ​​Lubricants & Greases​​

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      ​​Sealants & Adhesives​​ (e.g., bathroom caulk)

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      ​​Water Repellents​​ (for textiles, masonry)

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      ​​Insulating Materials​​ (for electronics and appliances)

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      ​​Medical implants​​ (e.g., breast implants, tubing)

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      ​​Cooking Utensils & Bakeware​​

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  ​​Semiconductors and Solar Panels (High-Purity Silicon, ~5% of consumption)​​

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    When purified to an extremely high degree (99.9999999% or "9N" purity), it becomes ​​semiconductor-grade silicon​​. This is the foundation of the entire electronics industry.

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      ​​Integrated Circuits (Computer Chips):​​ Used in computers, phones, and all modern electronics.

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      ​​Photovoltaic (PV) Cells:​​ Used in solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity. This is the fastest-growing market for silicon.

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  ​​Other Uses:​​

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    ​​Chemicals:​​ Used to produce fumed silica (a thickening agent), and silicon tetrachloride.

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    ​​Refractories:​​ As an additive to improve high-temperature performance in bricks and linings for furnaces.