Industrial silicon and ferrosilicon are made from silicon, but there are clear differences between the two.
Definition
Industrial silicon is a high-purity silicon product with a silicon content of more than 98%.
Ferrosilicon is an alloy composed primarily of silicon and iron.
How are they made?
The raw material for technical silicon is quartz or silicon dioxide, which is ground in a high-temperature furnace.
Ferrosilicon is produced from quartz and coke or charcoal and is smelted in iron or electric furnaces.
Characteristics
Industrial silicon has good surface activity and chemical stability.
Ferrosilicon is characterized by good electrical conductivity, high temperature resistance and low oxidation.
Application
The main application of technical silicon is as an additive to non-ferrous metal alloys.
Ferrosilicon is also used to remove oxides in steel production and as a special additive in the foundry industry.