Unexpected Uses for Silicon

Nowadays, if we had to choose one element that we as a society are highly dependent of, it’s silicon. You don’t need to be an expert in silicon manufacturing to know that this material’s properties make it uniquely advantageous for several applications.

Moreover, it's the second most common element on Earth after oxygen, making it easily accessible. Because of that and its valuable properties, many industries have found innovative uses for silicon. Let’s go over some of them.  

The Most Innovative Uses for Silicon

One of the most, if not the most, crucial components of human evolution throughout modern history and the Industrial Revolution has undoubtedly been silicon. Nowadays, it’s used across many industries, such as:

• Construction: Silicon is found in cement and concrete, contributing to the foundations of the largest and tallest buildings in the world.  

• Ceramics: Whiteware ceramics, which contain fired clay minerals, are among the many types of ceramics that use silica as a constituent element.  

• Optical fibers: There’s a class of glass fibers made of silica. Moreover, silica-based materials include fiberglass, which offers structural support, and glass wool, which acts as thermal insulation.  

• Medical uses: Silicon is used in body implants like breast implants.  

• Contact lenses: These include silicon as one of their main elements.  

• Alloys: Ferrosilicon, for example, is an alloy combining iron and silicon. It prevents the formation of cementite upon exposure to air.

Learn More About Silicon Manufacturing  

These are just some of the thousands of uses for silicon that stood out to us. As you can see, this material’s properties make it a valuable input for all kinds of industries across the globe. Thankfully, it’s widely available, so we don’t have to worry about silicon shortage anytime soon.

If you’re interested in learning more about this material and its properties, reach out!