Silicon Metal

Silicon, a tetravalent metalloid, is a chemical element with the symbol si and atomic number 14.
Properties:
silicon is a solid at room temperature, with relatively high melting and boiling points of 1414 and 3265 degrees celsius respectively. It has a greater density in a liquid state than a solid state.
Most metallurgical silicon metal is used as an alloying agent in the aluminium industry due to its ability to increase the strength of aluminium.
Metallurgical grade & production:
elemental silicon not alloyed with significant quantities of other elements, and usually > 95%, is often referred to loosely as silicon metal. Metallurgical grade silicon is commercially prepared by the reaction of high-purity silica with wood, charcoal, and coal in an electric arc furnace using carbon electrodes. As noted above, metallurgical grade silicon "metal" has its primary use in the aluminum casting industry to make aluminum-silicon alloy parts. The remainder (about 45%) is used by the chemical industry, where it is primarily employed to make fumed silica.
Applications:
1.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.
2.solar panels are made from silicon
3.alternative to hydrocarbon products
4.silicon is used in making silicon chips produced from semi-conductor grade silicon.
Advantages
1.weight reduction
2. Reduced fuel consumption
3.increased efficiency
4.reduced greenhouse gas emissions
5.conserves fossil fuels