Product Description of metal silicon
Product Introduction
Silicon metal is a grey, lustrous semi-metallic element that serves as a foundational raw material across multiple industrial sectors. Despite its name, silicon metal is not a true metal in the metallurgical sense; rather, it is a metalloid with semiconductor properties that make it indispensable in modern manufacturing.
As the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust, silicon is extracted primarily from silica (SiO₂) through carbothermic reduction in submerged electric arc furnaces. The resulting silicon metal is classified by purity and impurity content into various grades, from standard metallurgical grades (98–99% Si) to ultra-high-purity electronic grades (≥99.9999% Si) used in semiconductor fabrication.
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Core Selling Points
- Versatile Purity Range: From metallurgical-grade (98%+) to chemical-grade and solar-grade silicon, covering diverse industrial needs.
- Critical Aluminum Alloy Additive: Improves fluidity, castability, and tensile strength in automotive and aerospace alloys.
- Solar & Semiconductor Feedstock: High-purity silicon is the essential precursor for photovoltaic cells and integrated circuits.
- Stable Chemical Behavior: Forms protective silica layers that enhance oxidation resistance in refractory and alloy applications.
- Global Logistics Capability: ZhenAn International Co., Limited supplies silicon metal in lump, granule, and powder forms to clients worldwide.
Technical Parameters
Below are industry-typical chemical compositions for common silicon metal grades. Exact specifications should be confirmed against current inventory before purchase.
| Grade | Si (%) | Fe (%) | Al (%) | Ca (%) | P (%) |
| Silicon Metal 1501 | ≥ 99.69 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.01 | ≤ 0.004 |
| Silicon Metal 1502 | ≥ 99.68 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.15 | ≤ 0.02 | ≤ 0.004 |
| Silicon Metal 1101 | ≥ 99.79 | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.01 | ≤ 0.004 |
| Silicon Metal 2202 | ≥ 99.58 | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.02 | ≤ 0.004 |
| Silicon Metal 2502 | ≥ 99.48 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.25 | ≤ 0.02 | ≤ 0.004 |
| Silicon Metal 3303 | ≥ 99.37 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.30 | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.005 |
| Silicon Metal 411 | ≥ 99.40 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.005 |
| Silicon Metal 421 | ≥ 99.30 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.20 | ≤ 0.10 | - |
| Silicon Metal 441 | ≥ 99.10 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.40 | ≤ 0.10 | - |
| Silicon Metal 551 | ≥ 98.90 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.10 | - |
| Silicon Metal 553 | ≥ 98.50 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.50 | ≤ 0.30 | - |
Note: Grades 441, 553, and 3303 are among the most widely traded metallurgical grades. For solar-grade or electronic-grade silicon, please inquire separately as these require additional purification steps.
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Application Scenarios
Aluminum Alloys: Silicon is the most important alloying element in cast aluminum alloys. Addition of 5–12% silicon improves fluidity, reduces shrinkage porosity, and enhances machinability. Automotive engine blocks, cylinder heads, and transmission housings rely on aluminum-silicon alloys for their excellent strength-to-weight ratio and thermal conductivity.
Silicone Chemistry: Organosilicon compounds derived from silicon metal form the basis of silicone rubbers, sealants, adhesives, and coatings. These materials exhibit exceptional temperature stability (-60°C to +250°C), UV resistance, and electrical insulation properties.
Solar Photovoltaics: Metallurgical-grade silicon is refined into solar-grade polysilicon (6N–9N purity) through the Siemens process or fluidized bed reactor technology. This polysilicon is then crystallized into monocrystalline or multicrystalline ingots for photovoltaic cell production.
Semiconductor Electronics: Ultra-high-purity silicon (11N+) is grown as single-crystal ingots using the Czochralski process. Wafers sliced from these ingots serve as substrates for microprocessors, memory chips, power devices, and sensors.
Steel and Ferroalloy Production: Silicon metal and ferrosilicon are used as deoxidizers and alloying agents in steelmaking. Silicon promotes graphite formation in cast iron, improving damping capacity and wear resistance.
Product Delivery
Physical Forms: Standard lumps (10–150 mm), crushed granules (1–10 mm), and ground powders (100–400 mesh). Custom sizing available on request.
Packaging: Sealed 1-ton bulk bags or 25 kg/50 kg polypropylene sacks with polyethylene liner. Moisture barrier packaging prevents surface oxidation during ocean transit.
Quality Assurance: Each batch is sampled and analyzed for Si, Fe, Al, Ca, and P content. CoA and MSDS accompany every shipment. SGS or other third-party inspection can be arranged.
Transportation: Bulk shipments via 20-foot or 40-foot containers. Partial container loads (LCL) accepted for smaller orders. Incoterms 2020: FOB, CFR, CIF, or DAP upon negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between silicon metal and ferrosilicon?
Silicon metal contains 98–99.5% silicon with minimal iron content. Ferrosilicon is an iron-silicon alloy containing 15–90% silicon, used primarily as a deoxidizer and inoculant in steel and cast iron production.
How is silicon metal produced industrially?
Silicon metal is produced by reducing quartz (SiO₂) with carbon (coke, coal, or charcoal) in submerged electric arc furnaces at approximately 2,000°C. The molten silicon is tapped, cooled, crushed, and sized.
Which silicon metal grade is suitable for aluminum alloying?
Grades 441 and 553 are commonly used in aluminum foundries. Grade 3303 or higher may be specified for specialty alloys requiring tighter impurity control.
Can silicon metal be stored outdoors?
Short-term outdoor storage is possible in dry climates, but prolonged exposure to moisture can cause surface oxidation and dust formation. We recommend covered storage with adequate ventilation.
How do I obtain pricing and place an order?
Contact our sales team via WhatsApp or email with your required grade, form, quantity, and delivery terms. We will confirm stock availability and issue a formal quotation within one business day.
Contact ZhenAn for Silicon Metal Supply
ZhenAn International Co., Limited has supplied ferroalloys and raw materials to industrial clients for over 30 years. Our technical team can assist with grade selection, process integration, and logistics planning.
Get a Quote Today
WhatsApp: +86 15518824805
Email: market@zanewmetal.com
ZhenAn International Co., Limited - 30 Years of Ferroalloy Experience | Website: www.metal-alloy.com
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