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 is also utilized in the fast growing industries of high speed communication and solar energy. The manufacturing of semiconductor chips, optical fiber and liquid crystal displays is made possible due to the conducting properties of Silicon. Ultra high purity Silicon is being used in the manufacturing of solar panels, making it possible to use the sun’s rays to generate electricity to provide power in a large number of industrial and domestic uses, such as remote telecommunication stations, weather and irrigation projects and street lighting. Silicone compounds are the main raw material for a large and growing number of industrial and consumer products, including silicone rubber parts, urethane foam, sealants, adhesives, lubricants, food additives, coatings, polishes and cosmetics. Silicones are substitutes in many applications for petroleum-based compounds and the demand for silicones benefits from higher oil prices.
USES:
Used mainly in the production of aluminium alloys for foundry, for the automotive and aircraft industries, etc.In the chemical industry, silicon metal is employed for the production of silanes, resines, silicones and lubricants. Silicon metal is also used in the production of super high purity silicon by metallurgical or chemical routes, destined to the manufacture of parts for the segment of advanced electronics, as computers, space communications, defence systems, photo-voltaic panels, etc.
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 of temperatures exceeds 1800ºC. Commercially produced metallurgical grade silicon metal is typically Si 98% pure and is notably produced in China, Russia, Brazil, Norway, South Africa and USA.
INDIAN SCENARIO
At present, silicon metal is not produced in India.No new project is under implementation.
Import of silicon metal
Period (April to March)
|
Import in tonnes
|
2006-07
|
25733
|
2007-08
|
25523
|
2008-09
|
19998
|
2009-10
|
24245
|
2010-11
|
32052
|
2011-12
|
35380
|
2012-13
|
36885
|
DEMAND DRIVERS
The demand for silicon metal would largely be driven by the performance of the end user sectors namely aluminium silicon alloy industry, silicones and electronic grade silicon used semi conductor industry and solar grade silicon used in the photovoltaic cells (solar power).
In India, silicones and polycrystalline silicon (solar grade and electronic grade) are not produced.
Silicones are imported and formulated to suit the consumer requirements.
Similarly, silicon wafers are imported for use in solar panels and semiconductor components. Demand for aluminum has grown steadily in recent years, reflecting increased economic activity in both the developed and developing world, as well as new uses as a lighter, more economical replacement for other materials. Silicon metal consumption by aluminum manufacturers has grown accordingly.
Global scenario
Installed capacity 3.2 million metric tonnes
Global production 2.1 million metric tones
REGION-WISE PRODUCTION
Rgion
|
in
|
Production '000 tonne per annum
|
Americas (Including North and Western Europe
|
south America)
|
420
|
Western Europe
|
|
357
|
China
|
|
1155
|
Rest of the world
|
|
168
|
Total
|
|
2100
|
MAJOR GLOBAL PRODUCERS
|
|
|
Name of the company
|
Location
|
Installed capacity, TPA
|
Elkem Silicon Materials
|
Norway
|
143,000
|
Ferroatlantica
|
Spain, France and South Africa
|
222,000
|
Globe Specialty Metals Inc.
|
USA (Multi location plants)
|
133,000
|
**Fesil (Recently acquired by Wacker Chemie)
|
Trondheim, Norway
|
|
Zhejiang Kaihua Yuantong Silicon Industry Co
|
China
|
100,000
|
Rima
|
Brazil
|
60000
|
Simco
|
Australia
|
34000
|
Timminco (Advance Metallurgical Group)
|
USA
|
48,000
|
|
|
|