Silikonioksiid

Silikonioksiid, also known as silicon dioxide or silica, is a chemical compound with the formula SiO2. It is a ubiquitous material found naturally in Earth's crust, most commonly in the form of quartz. Silica is a key component of many minerals, and is also a major constituent of sand and glass. It exists in various crystalline forms, such as alpha-quartz, beta-quartz, tridymite, and cristobalite, as well as in amorphous forms like fused silica.

The physical properties of silicon dioxide vary depending on its form. Crystalline quartz is hard, chemically inert, and has a high melting point. Amorphous silica can be less dense and more permeable. Industrially, silicon dioxide is produced through various methods, including mining natural sources and synthetic precipitation. Its applications are extensive and diverse. It is a primary ingredient in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and concrete. In the electronics industry, it serves as an insulator and is crucial for the fabrication of semiconductors. Silicon dioxide is also used as a filler in plastics and rubber, as an abrasive, and as a food additive (E551) to prevent clumping. Its inertness and stability make it suitable for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.