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There are three simple words that are used somewhat interchangeably by uninformed, careless writers in newspapers, magazines, catalogs and books: Silicon, Silica and Silicone.
Silicon is an element: a bluish non-metal semiconductor used to make transistors and ICs. The chemical symbol is “Si”: atomic number 14, between aluminum, Al and phosphorus, P. Si sits directly above germanium, Ge, atomic number 32 in the Periodic Table of the Elements. Germanium elemental semiconductors were developed before Si because it melts at only 938° C. Silicon melts at 1,414° C. Single-crystalline silicon has some electronic properties that allow better tailoring of solid-state devices. Silicon is being superseded for some applications by the inorganic compound semiconductor: gallium arsenide, GaAs.
Silica is an inorganic compound SiO2: a hard, glass-like dielectric material, also called quartz. This material is often translucent or transparent. SiO2 is what white sand is largely composed of: one of the most abundant compounds on the Earth’s surface. Silica has several uses, one of which is the reduction of SiO2 to Si. Silica is often seen in little paper packets in pills or equipment to absorb moisture, keeping things dry. It is cheap enough to be used as a filler in paints and thermoplastics, but is so resistant to heat it can be used to make chemical process equipment that operates at 800° C.
A silicone is an organic, often rubbery, elastomeric compound used as a sealant and thermal barrier. Silicone pastes are widely used as both temporary and permanent building caulking materials; they are fire resistant and easy to apply as gap-fillers. Some are cured with moisture. Some silicones are thermally resistant to temperatures well above the melting points of some low melting, metallic solders.
The three names are not interchangeable! Do your readers the courtesy of using them properly.
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