Term Paper Synopsis

Topic: Silicon

Submitted to: Submitted by:

Mr. Deepak Sir Yogesh Gandhi

Deptt. Of Chemistry Roll. No. B48

Reg.No 10808452

Class.C2801
 Introduction
Silicon is an abundant nonmetallic element found throughout the universe. On
Earth, silicon is the second most common element, exceeded only by oxygen.
Silicon and various silicon compounds are used in a wide variety of industrial
applications including metal alloys, circuits, soaps, and glass. Silicon is probably
most well known for its use in computer chips, and lent its name to the Silicon
Valley, seat of the technology industry in the United States.

Silicon was first isolated in 1824 by a Swedish chemist named Jons Jacob
Berzelius. In a pure form, silicon has a crystalline structure and takes the 14th
place on the periodic table, where it is written as Si. Silicon appears more
commonly in the form of a compound such as silica (SiO2), a mixture of silicon
and oxygen that usually takes the form of sand. Silicon compounds can be treated
to release the bound silicon, or used as they are to take advantage of the unique
properties of the compound. Silicon carbide (SiC), for example, has a hardness
which rivals diamond.

When silicon is mixed with other elements, the compound is often known as a
silicate. Silicates are extremely abundant, and are used in a wide range of industrial
processes. They can be heated or treated with other chemical compounds to release
their silicon or to bind with other materials for various purposes. When alloyed
with metal, silicon increases the strength and hardness of the metal. Most
industries use silicates in their products to make them stronger and more durable.
Silicon is also commonly used as a base material for sealers, caulks, and some
types of synthetic oils.

Some consumers confuse silicon, a pure element, with silicone, which is a

chemical compound. Silicone contains silicon, and harnesses many of its mineral
properties. Silicone is used in soaps and medical implants, insulators and synthetic
materials. Non stick baking supplies, sealers, and shields for electrical components
are also made from silicone, which is a highly durable, flexible compound.

Silicon's abundance and myriad uses make it a commonly harvested element.

Silicon production is counted in hundreds of tons worldwide, with nations like
China and the United States making up the bulk of silicon production. The element
is exported in a pure form for manufacturing, and is also sold in the form of
finished commercial products. Manufacturers are constantly seeking out new uses
for the abundant and cheap element, and the growth of sales for silicon is expected
to continue growing indefinitely.
Uses of Silicon & Compounds
Silicon is used to make many electronic devices, such as transistors, integrated
circuits, computer chips and solar cells because it is a good semiconductor.
Silicon, when "doped" with boron, gallium, phosphorus, or arsenic is used for
transistors, solar cells, and other electronic devices. Silicon is commonly used
around high temperatures because of its high melting point. It is used to make
concrete and bricks, as a lubricant and for silicone implants (plastic/reconstructive
surgery). Silicon plastic (Silastic) is used for artificial skin grafts to protect healing
skin. Silicones are products of silicon, made by hydrolyzing a silicon organic
chloride. Silica (sand) is the main ingredient of glass, and is also found in the
human skeleton. Silica and silicates are used in the manufacturing of cement,
porcelain, glass, and glazes. A silica gel is obtained by taking out water from a
precipitate of silicic acid. The gel absorbs water (as well as some other substances)
and is used to dry and remove the color from objects. Silicon monoxide is widely
used as a protective coating on the surfaces of materials. Silicon is also used in the
steel industry (silicon steel alloys). Silicon steel is approximately 2.5-4.0 % silicon
compared to normal steel that has less than 0.03 % silicon. Silicon is also sued as
an alloy in brass, bronze, and copper. Since silicon is a semiconductor, its ability
to conduct electricity can be affected by the addition of impurities, or "dopants".
This is why silicon is necessary in the electronics industry. Semiconductors are
used extensively in electrical engineering. A small semiconductor chip may
contain over one hundred thousand transistors.