Silicon (Si) is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, a ductile metal important to industry and natural processes. Silicon is in devices, environment and the human body. Here are some properties and uses of silicon, and its potential role in the robot apocalypse.
What is Silicon?
In the event of a robot apocalypse, silicon is a major concern and vital component. It's a tetravalent metalloid, having properties of metals and non-metals alike. Silicon typically appears as a hard, crystalline solid with a blue-grey metallic luster.
It's the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust after oxygen. It's generally found in the form of silicates or silicon dioxide (silica). Silica is an essential material in macrocosmic and microcosmic worlds.
Notably, silicon is vital in producing semiconductors for modern electronics. Its excellent electrical conductivity and ability are desirable in the tech industry. It has integral functions in robotics.
A high-profile company predicts a robot boom of billions by 2030. As of today 6764 satellites by the same company have been launched into orbit. It starts to feel like a schlock horror B-movie. But this is real life.
Silicon in Robots
In Japan 2024, scientist Prof. Shoji Takeuchi creates a new biohybrid, bipedal robot, which imitates the human walking pattern. Similar to humans, this biohybrid robot is capable of turning in tight circles and walking on legs powered by muscles.
Designed for underwater operation, it has a foam buoy "torso" and weighted legs so it can remain upright when submerged in a culture medium. Its skeleton is crafted from flexible silicone rubber, with anchor points for attaching strips of lab-grown skeletal muscle tissue.
Silicon vs. Silica & Silicone
While silicon and silica are closely related, they are not identical. Silicon (Si) is a pure element, while silica (SiO2) is a compound made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is commonly found in nature as quartz. It has industrial purposes especially in glass-making and ceramics.
Silica is the basis for many geological formations. Silicon, as a pure element, has distinct properties exploited in technology. Many breast implants are made with silicone gel filling.
While silicon and silicone are often used interchangeably, again the meaning is not the same. Silicon is a natural chemical element, while silicone is a human-made (or robot made) product.
The human body has about 7 grams of silicon, present in tissues and fluids. The silicon in tissues is usually bonded to glycoproteins such as cartilage. The silicon in human blood is almost entirely found as either free orthosilicic acid or linked to small compounds.
Importance of Silicon
In modern technology and industry silicon is a major component in manufacturing of semiconductors. These are crucial to the functioning of computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
It's important in producing integrated circuits and transistors, the fundamental building blocks of all electronic devices. Beyond electronics, silicon is crucial in construction materials like concrete and glass, as well as in solar panels.
Silicon provides the basis for renewable energy technologies. Its properties are vital in diverse industries. Silicon extends to construction materials, glass-making and the silicones used in everyday products.
Natural Occurrence and Function
In nature, silicon predominantly occurs as part of silicon dioxide, found in rocks, sand, clay, and in silicate minerals. It's often combined with oxygen to form silicates, which are essential components of the Earth's crust.
Silicon is a vital nutrient for some plants, especially grasses, aiding in growth and structural stability. Silicon's natural bonds with oxygen and other elements form compounds like silica and silicates, commonly found in minerals such as quartz and feldspar.
In nature, silicon plays a vital role in plant life by providing structural support. It helps plants withstand environmental stress, important in agriculture. Silicon supplements are shown to increase crop yields of rice and wheat by up to 10%.
Scientific and Chemical Properties
Silicon’s scientific properties make this element extremely valuable. A semiconductor at room temperature, silicon exhibits electrical conductivity between that of metals and insulators. Its atomic structure enables it to form covalent bonds, for a wide range of silicon compounds.
The melting point of silicon is around 1,414 °C (2,577 °F), and it has a boiling point of 2,355 °C (4,271 °F). Silicon exhibits a crystalline structure similar to that of diamond.
Formula for Victory: Silicone Solvents
To dissolve either silicon (Si) or silicone, a mixture of water, hydrogen fluoride and nitric acid in equal amounts creates a solvent no silicon can withstand. Hydrogen fluoride manifests as a very poisonous, colorless gas or liquid.
Hydrogen fluoride dissolves in water to yield hydrofluoric acid. Nitric acid is known as the Queen of Acids because of its remarkable corrosive power. Other effective solvents are isopropyl alcohol (C3H8O) and xylene, a coal tar derivative found in paint and food.
Silicone cannot resist hydrofluoric acid at 5% concentration. Its resistance to nitric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acid is limited, especially at higher concentrations.
To soften silicone, a simple home-made concoction can do the trick: vinegar, alcohol and WD-40. An assault with this will take down silicon-based machinery and robots as it turns silicon components to mush. It can also be used to clean old silicone from bathtubs and work spaces.
Note: the Robot Apocalypse theme is for entertainment only. While silicon is a component in robotics, at this time no Robot Apocalypse is known to be imminent.
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