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SILICON METAL
We offer Silicon Metal in a range of sizes. Our standard-grade Silicon Metal has the following chemical analysis but 553, 3303, 2202 and off-grade material is also available:
Standard Material | % |
|---|---|
Si | 98.5% min |
Al | 0.4% max |
Fe | 0.4% max |
Ca | 0.1% max |
Silicon Metal Packing & Size Options
As an industry leading Silicon Metal supplier, we offer a wide variety of sizing and packing options. When sending an enquiry for Silicon Metal, please specify your desired packing and size.
Packing:
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700kg – 1.2mt bulk bags
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25kg bags
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Drums on Pallets
Sizing
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0-0.5mm
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0-1 mm
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0.5-6mm
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0-2 mm
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0-5mm
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0-8mm
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2-10mm
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1-12mm
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10-100mm
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200 mesh
About Silicon Metal
Silicon Metal is known as a semi-metallic or metalloid, having several of the characteristics of metals. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust after oxygen, naturally occurring in various forms of silicon dioxide or silicates and very rarely in its pure form in volcanic exhalations. It takes its name from the Latin Silicus, which means flint.
Silicon can be found naturally in the form of sand, quartz, rock crystal, amethyst, agate, flint and opal as an oxide. Granite, asbestos, feldspar, clay, mica are a few examples of the numerous silicate materials. Silicon is abundant, relatively easy to mine and has many uses.
Key Properties of Silicon Metal
Most metallurgical Silicon Metal is used as an alloying agent in the Aluminium industry due to its ability to increase the strength of Aluminium. Aluminium alloys are lighter and more resistant to corrosion than carbon-steel and can be made by addition of metals such as Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Manganese as well as Silicon.
Production of Silicon Metal
On a commercial scale, metallurgical Silicon Metal is produced by the carbothermic reaction of silica (quartz) in an electric arc furnace using carbon electrodes where the temperature in the main reaction zone exceeds 1800°C.
Uses of Silicon Metal
Adding Silicon Metal to Aluminium alloys makes them strong and light. As a result they are increasingly used in the automotive industry to replace heavier cast iron components. This allows weight reductions, a reduction in fuel consumption, increased efficiencies and subsequent benefits to the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving fossil fuels.
Contact Us
Our team is here to help you meet your Silicon Metal needs.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements. Experience the difference of working with a reliable Silicon Metal supplier with a track record of distributing alloys and metals across the globe.
Silicon Metal FAQs
What quality standards does Westbrook Resources' Silicon Metal meet?
At Westbrook Resources, the Silicon Metal we supply to industries across the globe meets ISO certification, which ensures high purity and consistent quality. Our quality management system is robust with effective, continuous improvement to give our customers ongoing confidence and satisfaction in the service they receive. We offer various grades of Silicon Metal to meet specific industry needs.
How strong is Silicon Metal?
Silicon Metal itself is quite brittle and has a relatively low tensile strength compared to other metals. However, when used as an alloying element in Aluminium and other metals, it significantly enhances their strength, durability, and castability. This makes Silicon Metal a valuable component in industries requiring materials with improved mechanical properties.
What are the different grades of Silicon Metal?
The most common grades of Silicon Metal are 553, 441, 3303 and 2202 with the latter having the lowest levels of impurities. The numbers represent the content of Iron, Aluminium and Calcium in that order e.g. 553 contains max 0.5% Fe, 0.5% Al and 0.3% Ca, 441 contains max 0.4% Fe, 0.4% Al and 0.1% Ca, 3303 contains max 0.3% Fe, 0.3% Al and 0.03% Ca and 2202 contains max 0.2% Fe, 0.2% Al and 0.02% Ca.
