Silicon can be separated from its compound partners through a process that involves heating with carbon. It has a melting point of approximately 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit and a boiling point of approximately 4,300 degrees Fahrenheit. Silicon is what is known as a metalloid. Such materials are rare, and they contain metals and nonmetals. Silicon never occurs naturally on its own but as a compound mixed with other elements like oxygen.
As an alloy in the steel-making process, silicon improves the original product. You can use it to make steel stronger and to make steel of higher quality by removing any impurities. Silicon is also widely used in the other metallic areas. It is mixed with aluminum and magnesium, and the resultant alloy does not corrode easily.
Silicon is a semiconductor, and components made from such materials have important uses in electronic circuit boards. It is good reason that the region with the greatest concentration of computer-related industries is known as Silicon Valley. Transistors made from silicon can be found by the millions within circuit boards, and they perform the function of switches, which enable complex computer operations to be undertaken at very high speeds. Silicon is not only a core component in the computer industry but the use of silicon wafers now underpins the whole digital technology sector.
Silicon dioxide is sand. This material has been used for many centuries to make glass. It is also used to produce ceramics, paper and filters and has many other uses. Another silicone compound -- silicon carbide -- is very hard and can be used for various purposes, for example, as a grinder or cleaner for difficult surfaces. Other silicon compounds are used for things like insulation, breast implants and car parts.
Silicon is compounded in many different forms and has many different uses. Often it comes or is released as fine particles, and sometimes people breathe in that fine dust. This can cause silicosis, a respiratory disease. Silicosis comes in three types, which are dependent on whether the exposure is long term and gradual, medium term or short term and severe. The condition can be severe and has no specific treatments. It can also weaken the immune responses of the body so that sufferers are prone to other diseases such as tuberculosis.