Silicon with multiple benefits and uses.

Description of Silicon

1. SILICON

2. INTRODUCTION Silicon belongs Group IV-A and 3 rd Period with atomic number 14. It is a tetravalent metalloid. It is the eighth most common element in the universe by mass, but very rarely occurs as the pure element in the Earth's crust. Silicon was first isolated and identified as an element by Jöns Jacob Berzelius, a Swedish chemist, in 1824.

3. PROPERTIES Silicon is a shiny, grey, metallic-looking solid with a high melting point of 1414°C (2577°F) and a boiling point of 3265°C (5909°F). It is a hard, brittle solid with a diamond cubic crystal structure. Chemically, silicon is relatively inert at room temperature but can react with strong oxidizing agents and acids. It readily oxidizes to form silicon dioxide (SiO2), a stable, protective layer. Silicon is insoluble in water and most organic solvents. It is not flammable but can react with some substances at high temperatures.

4. NATURAL OCCURANCE

5. SILICA CYCLE

6. USES Semiconductors : Silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material in electronic devices, including diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits. Solar Cells : Silicon is a key component in the production of solar cells, where it converts sunlight into electricity in photovoltaic panels. Silicones : Silicones are synthetic polymers derived from silicon, used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications, and cosmetics . Alloys : Silicon is used as an alloying element in the production of aluminum alloys, ferrosilicon and other metals to improve their properties. Glass and Ceramics : Silicon is used in the production of glass and ceramics, where it enhances the strength and heat resistance of the materials. Energy Storage : Silicon is being researched for its potential use in next-generation lithium-ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and abundance.

7. EFFECTS Health Effects: Silicon is generally non-toxic and essential for human health, playing a role in the formation of connective tissues, bones, and nails. However, exposure to silicon dust or fumes in industrial settings can cause respiratory issues such as silicosis, a lung disease. It can also cause skin and eye infections. Environmental Effects: Silicon itself is not considered harmful to the environment. However, the production and disposal of silicon-based products, such as silicones, have environmental impacts if not managed properly. Biological Effects: Silicon is an essential element for many plants, and it is used as a supplement in agriculture to improve plant growth and health. However, excessive levels of silicon in water are harmful to some aquatic organisms.

8. HAWK’S NEST TUNNEL DISASTER The Hawks Nest Tunnel disaster occurred in the 1930s during the construction of a hydroelectric tunnel in West Virginia, to divert water from the New River to a hydroelectric power plant. The area was rich in silica rocks. When these rocks were drilled and crushed during the construction process, they released silica dust into the air. Workers were exposed to high levels of silica dust while digging the tunnel. The dust caused a lung disease known as silicosis, which is incurable and often fatal. The working conditions were extremely poor, with inadequate ventilation and safety measures in place. As a result, hundreds of workers died from silicosis .

9. TOXICITY Silicon, in its elemental form, is not considered toxic. It is a naturally occurring element and is found in many foods and beverages. In fact, silicon is an essential nutrient for the human body. However, silicon in the form of silica (silicon dioxide, SiO2) can be harmful if inhaled in large amounts. It can be harmful if proper safety measures are not followed so it is important to take proper precautions to minimize exposure

10. THANKYOU