Félfém

Félfém is a term used in metallurgy and materials science to describe a material that exhibits properties intermediate between those of a metal and a non-metal. These elements are also known as metalloids. While they share some characteristics with metals, such as a degree of electrical conductivity, they also possess non-metallic traits, like forming brittle solids.

The periodic table features several elements classified as metalloids. Common examples include silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, and tellurium. Their electronic structure often involves a partially filled outer electron shell, which contributes to their unique bonding behavior and electrical properties. Unlike true metals, metalloids typically have higher melting and boiling points, and their electrical conductivity is usually lower than that of metals. Furthermore, their electrical conductivity often increases with temperature, a characteristic opposite to that of most metals.

Félfém materials find significant applications in various technological fields. Silicon and germanium, for instance, are fundamental to the semiconductor industry, forming the basis of transistors, integrated circuits, and solar cells. Arsenic and antimony are used in alloys to enhance hardness and in the production of semiconductors and flame retardants. The precise control of their properties, often achieved through doping with other elements, allows for the creation of materials with tailored electrical and optical characteristics, making them indispensable in modern electronics and advanced materials.