Silicon Nanoparticles | Image Resource : images.gizmag.com
Nanotechnology is a vast field of science which is growing at a rapid speed. Nanoparticles are one of the interesting elements of it. They are extremely minute particles of common chemicals or metals. They measure approximately between 1 to 100 nanometers.
An increasingly used variety of nanoparticles are Silicon Nanoparticles, commonly known as silica nanoparticles or nano-silica. They are majorly used in the field of biomedical research and manufacturing of production of rubber and plastic.
They can be classified on the basis of their structure, the P-type (Porous particles) and S-type (Spherical particles). The P-type nanoparticles are represented by several Nano pores and have a pore rate of 0.61 ml/g, whereas the structure of the S-type particles is comparatively smaller in surface area than the P-type. Another differential factor among the two structural types is that the ultraviolet reflectivity is slightly higher in the P-type nano-silica particle.
Silicon Nanoparticles Are Used To Manufacture Several Construction Materials
Their stability, low toxicity and the ability to function with different molecules make the Silicon Nano particle useful in various industries. They are widely used in the manufacturing of several construction materials, such as ceramics, strengthening filler for concrete, ceramics (sugar) porcelain, gypsum, batteries, glass, steel, fiber, glass.
They are also used in the manufacture of rubber and plastic, and also the several plastic products. Their main use in the production of plastic products is to add the strength to the final product.
A recently developed application of it is in the production of lithium ion batteries. When added in the manufacturing of batteries, they are known to increase their storage value without affecting the silicon at the time of development/reduction cycle. Whereas, otherwise, as the battery charges and discharges, usually the silicon content of the batteries diminishes.
