Silicon Powder Applications and Uses

Many manufacturers require pure metals in a range of different shapes to add as additives when making products. These metals provide different properties to the products, such as hardening metals, providing corrosion resistance, or reduces oxidation. Silicon is one metal found in a wide range of industries due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Pure silicon powder has a fine consistency that allows it to be shaken, pressed, and bonded to other materials based on its grain size. 

Silicon Powder Properties 

Silicon is a chemical that has similarities to carbon and tin. It is considered extremely hard and brittle. It does not react to water, oxygen, or acids as this stability makes it ideal for a range of applications where the other base metals or applications must maintain their original characteristics in varying environments. The silicon expands when it freezes, and bonds with varying metals and other chemicals to create a uniform seal. It is also a reinforcing agent, and resists corrosion and oxidation. When in powdered form, the chemical is waterproof, tolerates high temperatures well, and offer electrical insulation. 

To create silicon powder, silicon lumps are broken up and milled into specific grain sizes. Some main applications for silicon powder include the following: 

Adhesives & Coatings 

Silicon powder has excellent bonding capabilities, making it ideal when used in sprays and coatings on varying surfaces to create a sure bond. It also prevents corrosion and oxidation due to having no reactions to waters or acids.  

Silicone Rubbers, Oils, and Resins 

When it comes to synthetic materials, silicon powder is highly used. It is the basic metal for silicone rubbers, resins, and oils due to its water resistance, temperature tolerances, and electrical insulation properties.  

Lubricants 

Silicon powder offers anti wearing and anti-aging properties. It is placed in lubricants and oils as the silicon allows the liquids to flow smoothly over metal surfaces. It forms into a film over the parts to provide enhancements to friction performance. 

Semiconductors 

Silicon is used in integrated circuits throughout the semiconductor industry. The powder offers thermal stability created from electrical fields and operating systems so components function without experiencing changes to their mechanical or structural properties.  

Refractory Materials 

Silicon offers refractory properties to processes that require the use of constant high temperatures or pressures. It may be used as a lining for iron smelting processes or mud water cannons as it resists wear, temperatures, and oxidation. 

In addition to the many applications listed above, silicon powder may also be used in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, in food & beverage manufacturing, and in biomedical applications. The type of silicon powder that will be added into other base metals and applications is based on the grain particle size as well as the purity.  

Here at Belmont Metals, we offer 98.5% minimum silicon metal powder for various applications. Reach out to our company to learn more.