Difference Between Metallic Silicon And Industrial Silicon

Metallic silicon and industrial silicon refer to the same material in essence, but there are sometimes subtle differences in naming and classification.

1. Naming and classification
Metallic silicon: Metallic silicon is a trade name that appeared in the mid-1960s, and is sometimes also called crystalline silicon. Its naming and classification are mainly based on its use and silicon content. Although it is sometimes called industrial silicon, it is more often used as an additive for non-ferrous alloys.
Industrial silicon: Industrial silicon, also known as quasi-metallic silicon, is also a trade name that appeared in the mid-1960s. Its classification is mainly based on factors such as silicon content, impurity content, and particle size. According to the national standard (GB/T 2881-2014), industrial silicon is divided into 5530#, 4410#, 4210#, 3303#, 2202# and other specifications based on the silicon content and the content of the three main impurities iron, aluminum, and calcium.

2. Composition and purity

The main component of both is silicon, with a content of about 98% (in recent years, 99.99% Si content is also included), and the remaining impurities are iron, aluminum, calcium, etc.

The purity requirements of industrial silicon are usually higher because it is mainly used in the semiconductor and electronics industries with high purity requirements.

3. Uses

Industrial silicon is mainly used in the semiconductor and electronics industries, such as manufacturing electronic components, high-purity glass, solar panels and semiconductor materials. In particular, with the prosperous development of the semiconductor industry, the market demand for industrial silicon is also growing.

Although metallic silicon also contains a high silicon purity, its purity requirements are relatively low, and a purity of about 96% can meet most application needs. It is mainly used for smelting and synthesizing other silicon compounds, and is widely used in steel, casting, aluminum and other industries. In addition, it can also be used to manufacture photovoltaic cells, skylights and produce refractory materials.

4. Production method

Industrial silicon is mainly obtained by purifying and smelting quartz sand. Common purification methods include artificial smelting and chlorination. These methods can make its purity as high as 99.99%, so it is widely used in the electronics and semiconductor industries.

Metallic silicon is obtained through smelting synthesis. Common smelting methods include carbon thermal method and silane reduction method. It contains low-purity silicon impurities and cannot be used in the semiconductor and electronics industries, but it is an important raw material for synthesizing other pure silicon compounds.