The classification of silicon metal into "oxygened" and "non-oxygen" is mainly based on its reaction ability to oxygen and its performance in practical applications. These two classifications reflect the different characteristics of silicon metal in metallurgy and alloy production. Here are the differences between the two types and their functions:
oxygened silicon
oxygened silicon (also known as "silicon oxide" or "deoxidized silicon") refers to silicon metal that can effectively react with oxygen during the production process to remove oxygen impurities in the metal melt. This type of silicon has a strong deoxidizing ability.
Features
High purity: usually high purity, low oxygen content, suitable for use as a deoxidizer.
Wide application: used in aluminum smelting and aluminum alloy production to help remove oxygen from the melt and improve the quality of aluminum alloys.
Function: In aluminum alloy production, oxygened silicon can combine with oxygen in aluminum liquid to form silicates, thereby removing oxygen, preventing aluminum oxidation, and improving aluminum quality and strength.
Typical uses
Aluminum alloy production: improve the quality of aluminum and improve the physical and chemical properties of aluminum alloys.
Steelmaking: As a deoxidizer, it removes oxygen from molten steel and improves the performance of steel.
Non-oxygenated silicon
Non-oxygenated silicon (also called "non-deoxidized silicon" or "low-oxygen silicon") refers to silicon with weak oxidation ability during the production process, and its oxygen removal effect is not as good as oxygenated silicon. This type of silicon usually has a higher oxygen content.
Features
Low purity: high oxygen content and weak deoxidation ability.
Application restrictions: mostly used in the production of aluminum alloys and other alloys with low deoxidation requirements.
Function: Mainly used to improve other properties of alloys, such as fluidity and castability, but not as good as oxygenated silicon in deoxidation effect.
Typical uses
Casting alloys: Improve the fluidity and casting properties of alloys.
Alloy additives: Used in the production of aluminum alloys and other metallurgical products with low purity requirements.
The classification of "oxygenated" and "non-oxygenated" silicon metal mainly reflects the difference in its deoxidation ability. Oxygenated silicon has a higher deoxidation ability and is suitable for applications with high oxygen removal requirements, such as deoxidation in aluminum alloy production. The oxygen-free silicon is suitable for applications that do not require high deoxidation requirements, and its main function is to improve other properties of the alloy. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right type of metallic silicon according to specific production needs and applications.
