Silicon (metalloid)

Structure: Diamond

Silicon compounds
Silica

(SiO2): Sand, Quartz

Silicates: Clay (Kaolinite, Montmorillonite),
Mica, Asbestos, Feldspar
Silicone

Mica sheet

MICA

Mica in rock

Can

be split into very thin slices

Excellent chemical stability
Insulator with high dielectric strength
Mica insulator slices

Mica Product:

Asbestos

fibres

ASBESTOS:

Blue Asbestos

Fire

retardant in thermal
insulation products
plaster
vinyl floor tiles, sheeting,
adhesives
roofing tars, felts, siding, and
shingles
"transite" panels, siding,
countertops, and pipes
popcorn ceilings, also known
as acoustic ceilings
fireproofing
caulk
Gaskets

brake

pads and shoes

clutch plates
fire blankets
fireproof clothing for
firefighters
thermal pipe insulation
filters for removing fine
particulates from chemicals,
liquids, and wine
dental cast linings
HVAC flexible duct
connectors
drilling fluid additives

PRODUCTS OF ASBESTOS:

FELDSPAR=
Rock without
ore

Reddish

brown, yellow, green, blue, gray,

colorless; in thin section, colorless to pale
brown
Brittle
Transparent to opaque
Insoluble
Fluorescent and radioactive

ZIRCON

ZIRCON

ZIRCON

Colorless

and transparent, or greyish or

yellowish and only translucent;
occasionally pale rose-red

PHENACITE/ PHENAKITE

Synthetic

compound:

Polymer with Si-O-Si-O-Si backbone

Usually contains Si, C, H, O

Silicone

Inert,
Heat-resistant

and

rubber-like
Good

electrical insulation
Thermally stable
Repel water to form watertight seal
Excellent resistance to oxygen, ozone and UV light
(sunlight).
Does not stick.
Low chemical reactivity.
Low toxicity, but does not support microbiological
growth.
High gas permeability

Properties of Silicone:

Aquarium

joints

Cookware
Automative
Dry

cleaning
Electronics
Firestops
Lubricant
Medicine
Personal care
Plumbing and building construction

Uses of silicone compound: