Silicon Metal 1101 / 441 | Industrial Si Flakes & Granules
Industrial Reality: Why Silicon Metal Performance Matters For steelmakers, alloy producers, and electronics material manufacturers, silicon metal is a critical process input, not just a commodity.
Common industrial challenges include:
- Variability in deoxidation and alloying efficiency despite using standard grades
- Oxidation loss caused by inappropriate particle size distribution
- Trace impurities (Fe, Al, Ca) migrating into final products
- Batch-to-batch inconsistency complicating furnace and dosing control
ZhenAn's Silicon Metal 1101 / 441, available as flakes and granules, addresses these issues by combining high purity, controlled particle sizes, and batch consistency, optimizing industrial yield and reducing operational risk.
Product Overview & Industrial Applications
ZhenAn supplies industrial-grade silicon metal with:
- Grades: 1101 (high-purity), 3303, 2202 references
- Particle Sizes: 441 (medium) and 553 (coarse)
- Forms: Flakes and granules for process adaptability
This configuration enables steelmakers, chemical processors, and electronics manufacturers to align silicon behavior with furnace scale, reaction kinetics, and purity requirements.
Primary Applications:
- Alloy and carbon steel production
- Casting and foundry operations
- Electronics, polysilicon, and photovoltaic feedstock
- Specialty chemical synthesis and organosilicon intermediates
Grades & Purity Strategy
Silicon metal grades are selected based on process tolerance and impurity management.
Typical Chemical Composition (%)
| Grade | Si | Fe | Al | Ca |
|---|
| 1101 | ≥99.8 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.01 |
| 2202 | ≥99.5 | ≤0.20 | ≤0.20 | ≤0.02 |
| 3303 | ≥99.3 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.03 |
Industrial Implications:
- 1101: High-purity applications in electronics and battery materials
- 2202: Reduced impurities for cleaner steel and chemical processes
- 3303: Cost-effective for bulk steelmaking where minor impurities are tolerable
Particle Form & Size Control
The physical form and particle size determine reaction rate, oxidation behavior, and yield efficiency.
Flakes vs Granules
- Flakes: Larger surface area, faster dissolution, ideal for rapid alloying adjustments
- Granules: Improved flowability, reduced dust, controlled feeding in continuous or automated systems
Size Classification
- 441 (Medium): 10–50 mm, uniform dissolution, precise alloying, preferred for casting and chemical dosing
- 553 (Coarse): 10–100 mm, slower oxidation, higher silicon recovery, suitable for primary steelmaking
ZhenAn implements strict screening and batch control to reduce variability and ensure predictable industrial performance.
Material Properties for Industrial Relevance
- Metallic silver-gray crystalline appearance
- Hard, brittle structure for controlled melting and handling
- Melting point: ~1414 °C
- Density: ~2.33 g/cm³
- Stable thermal and electrical conductivity
These characteristics ensure predictable furnace reactions, stable alloy composition, and reliable electronic feedstock preparation.
Application-Oriented Performance
Steelmaking & Alloy Production
Silicon metal serves as a deoxidizer and alloying regulator, influencing oxygen removal efficiency, slag-metal equilibrium, and final steel strength and internal cleanliness.
Using 1101-grade silicon with 441 or 553 size improves silicon recovery per ton of steel, batch-to-batch chemical consistency, and alloying efficiency and furnace stability.
Casting & Foundry
- Medium grain 441 ensures uniform dissolution
- Reduced impurity carryover decreases casting defects
- Optimizes graphite structure, fluidity, and dimensional accuracy
Electronics & Renewable Energy
High-purity 1101-grade silicon is critical for polysilicon production, photovoltaic material feedstock, and battery and energy storage materials.
Low Fe, Al, and Ca content reduces downstream contamination and purification cost.
Chemical Industry
- Supports organosilicon intermediates, silicone oils, and specialty chemicals
- Purity stability protects catalysts and ensures consistent reaction yields
Manufacturing & Quality Assurance
Produced via submerged arc furnace smelting, followed by controlled cooling, precision crushing and screening, and batch-level chemical verification.
QA emphasizes traceable raw material sourcing, stable chemical limits, particle size inspection, and optional third-party verification.
This ensures long-term supply reliability, a key EEAT credibility factor.
Packaging & Handling
- Bulk packaging for steel and alloy plants
- Palletized bags for controlled dosing
- Moisture-resistant protection for transport
- Designed for industrial-scale handling and long-distance shipping
Technical FAQs
Which applications require 1101-grade silicon metal?
High-purity applications such as electronics, polysilicon, and battery materials require minimal impurities (Fe, Al, Ca).
Does particle size influence oxidation loss?
Yes. Coarse sizes (553) reduce oxidation and improve silicon recovery, while medium sizes (441) improve melting uniformity and reaction control.
Can specifications be tailored?
Yes. Chemical composition and particle size can be customized to match process requirements.
Is 1101 suitable for steelmaking, casting, and electronics simultaneously?
Yes, when particle size and grade are selected according to specific industrial needs.
About ZhenAn
ZhenAn specializes in industrial silicon metal and ferroalloy materials, serving steelmakers, alloy producers, and advanced material manufacturers. The company emphasizes process compatibility, batch consistency, and technical reliability, helping clients minimize operational risk rather than simply sourcing raw materials.
