Uses of Manganese
Approximately 90% of all manganese consumed worldwide goes into the steel industry as an alloying element, and because of its relatively low price and technical benefits it has no real substitute. Apart from its uses in industry, trace amounts of manganese are very important to good health. It makes bones strong but flexible and it aids the body in absorbing Vitamin B12. It also acts as an important activator for the body to use enzymes.
Manganese also has important uses in aluminium as an alloying element. It is a versatile addition to copper alloys and its largest non-metal application is in the form of portable dry batteries. It also has chemical applications and is used as a ceramic and brick colourant.
Uses of Ferro Silicon
There are many practical applications of Ferro Silicon to include carbon steel and stainless steel production, and when using the Pidgeon process to produce magnesium from dolomite. Applications in the production of other alloys include the manufacture of silicon steel for electro motors and cores, as well as coatings used during arc welding. One useful by-product of the production processes is silica fume, which is later added to concrete mixes to improve compressive and bonding strength there.
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. Demand from the aluminium industry has grown steadily in recent years due to increased usage of aluminium in structural engineering, aircraft manufacture and the automotive industry. 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 of temperatures exceeds 1800șC. Commercially produced metallurgical grade silicon metal is typically Si 98% pure and is notably produced in China, Russia, Brazil, Norway, South Africa and USA.
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 the greenhouse gas emissions and conserving fossil fuels.
There is increasing demand for Silicon Metal from the solar power generating industry where solar panels are made from silicon, which use the sun’s energy to produce domestic and industrial electricity. Silicon based polymers are also used as alternatives to hydrocarbon based products. They can appear in many every day products such as lubricants, greases, resins, skin and hair products. A more well known use of silicon is silicon chips, produced from semi-conductor grade silicon they are components in many every day electronic devices.