Computer Chips
Computer chips are small wafers of semiconductor material embedded within integrated circuitry, usually made from polysilicon.
Energy Density
The amount of energy stored in a given system, substance, or region of space per unit volume.
Quartz (also known as silica)
Quartz is a naturally occurring crystalline mineral, which consists primarily of silica but contains some impurities. It is the second most abundant mineral in the Earth’s crust. High-purity quartz refers to Quartz with a very high percentage of SiO2 in its composition and low impurities.
Photovoltaic cell (solar cell)
PV cells convert sunlight directly into electricity and require silicon in the form of polysilicon.
Polysilicon
Polysilicon refers to a silicon metal grade used in electronics and solar energy applications and accounts for around 26% of todays silicon market.
Silica/silicon dioxide (also known as quartz)
Silica is a specific chemical compound, silicon dioxide with a chemical formula of Si02.
Silicon Metal
Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol “Si”. It is a hard, brittle crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic lustre. Silicon metal production requires high purity quartz, grading at least 99.6% pure silica.
Silicones
Silicones are synthetic polymers varying in consistency from liquids and gels to rubber and hard plastic-like materials that are used in a wide variety of applications such as construction, personal care, automotive and medical supply industries and accounts for around 39% of today’s silicon market.
