ZhenAn Ferro Silicon & Silicon Metal – Complete Product Guide
ZhenAn is a leading global supplier of high-quality ferroalloys and silicon products, specializing in Ferro Silicon (FeSi 65%, FeSi 72%, FeSi 75%) and Silicon Metal. With decades of experience in metallurgy, advanced production facilities, and a professional R&D team, ZhenAn ensures consistent quality, reliable supply, and tailored solutions for steelmaking, foundry, and specialty industries worldwide. This guide provides comprehensive information on specifications, applications, production, packaging, storage, standards, and supplier selection.
1. Introduction to Ferro Silicon and Silicon Metal
Ferro Silicon (FeSi) is an iron-silicon alloy widely used in steelmaking and cast iron production. It serves as a deoxidizer, alloying agent, and inoculant, improving mechanical properties, steel cleanliness, and cast iron quality.
FeSi 65%: Suitable for standard carbon steels and general foundry applications.
FeSi 72%: Offers higher silicon content for moderate deoxidation and alloying.
FeSi 75%: High silicon content for high-quality steel, specialty steels, and ductile iron.
Silicon Metal, with purity typically ≥98–99%, is used in electronics, solar energy, aluminum alloys, and specialty steels. Its high purity and controlled particle size make it critical for precise industrial applications.
ZhenAn Ferro Silicon and Silicon Metal combine high silicon content, low impurities, and stable chemical composition, making them reliable for global industrial operations.
2. Product Specifications & Chemical Composition
FeSi 65%, 72%, 75%
| Grade | Silicon (Si) | Carbon (C) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Aluminum (Al) | Iron (Fe) Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FeSi 65% | ~65% | ≤0.50% | ≤0.04% | ≤0.02% | ≤2.0% | Balance |
| FeSi 72% | ~72% | ≤0.25% | ≤0.04% | ≤0.02% | ≤1.8% | Balance |
| FeSi 75% | ≥75% | ≤0.20% | ≤0.04% | ≤0.02% | ≤1.5–2.0% | Balance |
Particle sizes: 1–3 mm (fine powder), 10–50 mm (standard lumps), 50–100 mm (coarse lumps).
Low carbon and low impurity variants are available for specialty steel applications.
Silicon Metal
| Purity | Si | Fe | Al | Impurities (As, B, P, Ca, Ti) | Particle Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98–99.99% | ≥98–99.99% | ≤0.3% | ≤0.2% | <0.05% | 1–50 mm or powder |
ZhenAn Silicon Metal meets strict purity requirements for solar-grade silicon, electronics, and aluminum alloying.
3. Production Process
Ferro Silicon (FeSi 65%, 72%, 75%)
Submerged Arc Furnace Method:
Raw materials: Quartz (SiO₂), metallurgical coke, and iron sources (scrap or ore).
High-temperature reduction (>2000°C) converts SiO₂ into silicon alloyed with iron.
Tapping, cooling, and crushing produce the desired particle sizes.
Differences Between Grades:
FeSi 65%: Lower quartz-to-iron ratio; cost-effective for standard steel.
FeSi 72%: Moderate ratio; suitable for alloy steels and gray iron.
FeSi 75%: Higher ratio and strict impurity control; ideal for high-strength steel and ductile iron.
Silicon Metal
Produced in submerged arc furnaces with high-purity quartz and low-impurity coke.
Controlled cooling and crushing produce consistent particle size and high purity.
ZhenAn applies advanced furnace technology and rigorous quality control to guarantee consistent chemical composition, low impurities, and high yield.
4. Main Applications
Steelmaking
Deoxidation: FeSi 72% and 75% remove dissolved oxygen from molten steel.
Alloying: Silicon improves tensile strength, hardness, and wear resistance.
Specialty Steel: FeSi 75% is preferred for stainless steels, tool steels, and precision alloys.
Foundry & Cast Iron
Gray Iron: Enhances graphite formation, reduces chill, and improves machinability.
Ductile Iron: FeSi 75% promotes nodular graphite, improving mechanical properties.
Alloy Cast Iron: Both FeSi 72% and 75% stabilize chemical composition.
Silicon Metal Applications
Electronics and solar industry for high-purity wafers and semiconductors.
Aluminum alloys to enhance strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity.
Specialty steel for controlled silicon content in high-grade steel.
5. Comparison & Selection Guide
FeSi 65% vs 72% vs 75%
| Grade | Best For | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| FeSi 65% | Standard carbon steels | Cost-effective |
| FeSi 72% | Alloy steels, gray iron | Moderate silicon, low impurities |
| FeSi 75% | High-quality steels, ductile iron | High silicon, strong deoxidation, improved steel cleanliness |
FeSi vs Silicon Metal
| Feature | FeSi | Silicon Metal |
|---|---|---|
| Silicon Content | 65–75% | ≥98–99.99% |
| Main Use | Steel deoxidation, alloying, foundry | Electronics, solar, aluminum alloying |
| Impurity Tolerance | Low | Extremely low |
| Cost | Lower | Higher, precision applications |
6. Storage & Shelf Life
Shelf Life: 3–5 years under proper conditions.
Storage: Dry, ventilated warehouse, off the ground, covered to prevent moisture.
Handling: Use PPE; avoid dust inhalation and contamination.
Export Packaging: Jumbo bags, small bags, and moisture-proof options.
7. Standards & Certification
ISO, GB, ASTM compliance for FeSi and Silicon Metal.
Mill Test Certificates (MTC) provided for every batch.
Ensures chemical composition, impurity limits, and particle size meet industrial requirements.
8. Packaging & Shipping
FeSi: 1–1.25 MT jumbo bags, 25 kg small bags.
Silicon Metal: Similar bulk and export-ready packaging.
HS Codes: 72022100 for ferro silicon; 2804.69 for silicon metal.
Safe handling and moisture-proof packaging for international transport.
9. Price & Market Considerations
Factors affecting price: silicon content, impurities, raw material cost, supply-demand, packaging, and shipping.
FeSi 75% often more cost-effective in high-quality steel production due to reduced consumption and improved steel cleanliness.
Chinese FeSi offers competitive pricing with reliable quality.
10. Supplier Selection Guide
Verify Production Capacity: Ensure consistent supply for FeSi 65%, 72%, 75%, and Silicon Metal.
Check Quality & Compliance: ISO, GB, ASTM, and MTC availability.
Customization Options: Particle size, chemical composition, packaging.
Supply Chain & Logistics: Reliable delivery, export experience, proper documentation.
Technical Support: Guidance for steelmaking, ductile iron, and alloying processes.
11. FAQ Section
What is the chemical composition of FeSi 72% vs FeSi 75%?
FeSi 72% contains ~72% Si; FeSi 75% ≥75% Si; both have low C, P, S, and Al.
Can FeSi 72% and 75% be used in ductile iron?
Yes; FeSi 75% is preferred for nodular graphite formation.
Is FeSi 75 more cost-effective than FeSi 72%?
Yes; higher silicon reduces consumption and improves steel cleanliness.
Can a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) be provided?
Yes; every batch includes MTC for chemical composition and standard compliance.
Are FeSi 72% and 75% considered dangerous goods?
No; stable ferroalloys, safe handling required.
What particle sizes are available?
Fine powder (1–3 mm), standard lumps (10–50 mm), coarse lumps (50–100 mm), customizable.
Do FeSi 72% and 75% comply with ISO/GB/ASTM standards?
Yes; ZhenAn products meet international quality standards.
How does FeSi 72% compare with FeSi 75% in steel cleanliness?
FeSi 75% offers stronger deoxidation and cleaner steel.
What is the shelf life and storage method?
3–5 years; store in dry, ventilated warehouses, off the ground, moisture-proof.
How to choose a reliable supplier?
Verify capacity, MTC, compliance, customization options, technical support, and export experience.
12. Contact ZhenAn
For inquiries about FeSi 65%, FeSi 72%, FeSi 75%, and Silicon Metal, including applications, pricing, customization, or supply, contact ZhenAn. Our professional team provides technical guidance, export-ready solutions, and reliable global supply to optimize your steelmaking and foundry operations.