CALCIUM SILICIDE

Description

Calcium silicide has the molecular formula of Ca₂Si and the molecular weight of 96.2514 g/mol. This salt can be formed by the reaction of Ca metal, mixed with Si, at 850°C in an inert atmosphere.

Chemical properties

METAL PIECES

Physical properties

Calcium silicide, also called calcium disilicide, is an inorganic compound, a silicide of calcium. It is a whitish or dark gray to black solid matter with melting point between 700 and 935°C. It is insoluble in water, but may decompose when subjected to moisture, evolving hydrogen and producing calcium hydroxide. It decomposes in hot water. It is flammable and may ignite in air by producing silane that spontaneously ignites.

The Uses of CALCIUM SILICIDE

The uses of calcium silicide are many. Some of these include:
? Calcium silicide is used for manufacture of special metal alloys, e.g. for removing phosphorus and as a deoxidizer.
? In pyrotechnics, it is used as fuel to make special mixtures, e.g. for production of smokes, in flash compositions, and in percussion caps.
? Calcium silicide is used in the manufacture of certain initiatory, pyrotechnic and smoke compositions.
? The silicon and calcium alloy is mainly used as desulfurizing agent and deoxidizer for steel industry and casting industry.
? Calcium silicide has been found to be extremely corrosive to all metals including the refractory metals. It has been successfully contained in boron nitride for 36 h.
? The formation of calcium silicide (CaSi₂) intermetallic through the simultaneous reduction of calcium oxide from the electrolyte and of the silica pellet and reduction of dissolved carbon dioxide. C

The Uses of CALCIUM SILICIDE

It is an important raw material used in Pharmaceutical intermediates. It is an ideal compound of deoxidizer and desulfurizer which can be used in production of many types of stainless steel. It is also used as inoculants and additive in cast iron.