Premium Silicon Metal 1101 / 3303 | Multi-Size Industrial Si for Steelmaking, Chemical Applications & Solar Panels | 2202 / 553 / 441
Industrial Challenge: Silicon Metal as a Critical Process Component
Silicon metal is a key factor in industrial efficiency and product quality, not just a raw material. Steelmakers, alloy producers, and renewable energy material manufacturers often face:
- Variability in deoxidation and alloying efficiency despite using standard grades
- Oxidation and material loss due to unsuitable particle sizes
- Trace impurities (Fe, Al, Ca) affecting steel, chemical intermediates, or photovoltaic feedstock
- Batch-to-batch inconsistencies complicating furnace operations and dosing schedules
ZhenAn's Premium Silicon Metal 1101 / 3303, available in multiple particle sizes including 553 and 441, is engineered to optimize process stability, enhance recovery, and maintain consistent chemical contribution.
Product Overview & Industrial Applications
ZhenAn supplies industrial-grade silicon metal with:
- Grades: 1101 (high-purity), 3303 (industrial reference), 2202 (intermediate grade)
- Particle Sizes: 441 (medium) and 553 (coarse)
- Forms: Flakes and granules for controlled melting and process adaptability
Industrial Benefits
- Aligns silicon input with furnace size, reaction kinetics, and purity requirements
- Reduces oxidation loss and improves silicon recovery
- Ensures consistent batch-to-batch performance for steelmaking, chemical, and solar applications
Key Applications
- Alloy and carbon steel production
- Chemical intermediates and organosilicon compounds
- Renewable energy materials (solar panels, polysilicon feedstock)
Grade & Purity Overview
Proper grade and purity selection is crucial for process efficiency and quality control.
Typical Chemical Composition (%)
| Grade |
Si |
Fe |
Al |
Ca |
| 1101 |
≥99.8 |
≤0.10 |
≤0.10 |
≤0.01 |
| 3303 |
≥99.3 |
≤0.30 |
≤0.30 |
≤0.03 |
| 2202 |
≥99.5 |
≤0.20 |
≤0.20 |
≤0.02 |
Industrial Implications
- 1101: High-purity applications such as electronics, batteries, and solar-grade materials
- 3303: Cost-effective for bulk steelmaking and standard alloy production
- 2202: Controlled impurity grade for casting and chemical processes
Particle Form & Size Considerations
Particle size and form are critical for melting consistency, oxidation control, and alloying efficiency.
Flakes vs Granules
- Flakes: Larger surface area, faster dissolution, ideal for rapid alloying or chemical reactions
- Granules: Controlled flow, reduced dust, and stable feeding in automated or continuous systems
Size Selection
- 553 (Coarse): 10–100 mm; slower oxidation, higher silicon recovery, ideal for primary steelmaking
- 441 (Medium): 10–50 mm; faster dissolution, uniform distribution, preferred for casting, chemical, and solar feedstock
ZhenAn implements strict size screening and batch-level verification to ensure consistent industrial performance.
Material Properties
- Metallic silver-gray crystalline structure
- Hard, brittle for controlled melting
- Melting point: ~1414 °C
- Density: ~2.33 g/cm³
- Stable thermal and electrical conductivity
Ensures predictable furnace behavior, stable alloy composition, and reliable feedstock for chemical and renewable energy applications.
Application-Focused Performance
Steel & Alloy Production
Silicon metal acts as a deoxidizer and alloying regulator, influencing:
- Oxygen removal efficiency
- Slag-metal balance
- Final steel strength and internal cleanliness
Use Cases
- 553-size 3303 / 2202 for primary steelmaking improves recovery and batch consistency
- 1101-grade ensures low-impurity alloying for specialty steels
Casting & Foundry
- Medium particle 441 ensures uniform dissolution
- Reduces impurity carryover, minimizing casting defects
- Optimizes graphite structure, fluidity, and mechanical properties
Solar Panels & Renewable Energy
- High-purity 1101-grade silicon for photovoltaic materials
- Reduces downstream purification requirements
- Enhances yield and quality of solar-grade feedstock
Chemical Industry
- Supports organosilicon intermediates, silicone oils, and specialty chemicals
- Low impurity content ensures stable reactions and catalyst protection
Manufacturing & Quality Assurance
Produced via submerged arc furnace smelting, followed by:
- Controlled solidification
- Precision crushing and screening
- Batch-level chemical verification
QA Focus
- Traceable raw materials
- Stable chemical composition
- Particle size inspection
- Optional third-party verification
Ensures reliable, consistent supply, essential for professional industrial operations.
Packaging & Handling
- Bulk packaging for steel and alloy plants
- Palletized bags for precise dosing
- Moisture-resistant export packaging
- Designed for industrial-scale handling and transport
Technical FAQs
Which grade is suitable for solar panel or electronic applications?
1101-grade silicon metal due to minimal Fe, Al, and Ca content.
How does particle size affect oxidation and yield?
Coarse (553) reduces oxidation and improves silicon recovery; medium (441) enhances uniform dissolution.
Can specifications be customized?
Yes. Chemical composition and particle size can be tailored to process requirements.
Is 3303 or 2202 suitable for steelmaking, chemical, and solar applications simultaneously?
Yes, when particle size and grade are selected according to industrial requirements.
About ZhenAn
ZhenAn specializes in industrial silicon metal and ferroalloy materials, serving steelmakers, alloy producers, and renewable energy material manufacturers. The company emphasizes process compatibility, batch consistency, and technical reliability, helping clients reduce operational risks rather than simply sourcing raw materials.