Silicon Metal 441 – High-Purity Grade (Si ≥99.0%) for Alloying & Chemical Industries
Premium silicon metal with minimum 99.0% silicon content, tightly controlled impurities (Fe ≤0.4%, Al ≤0.4%, Ca ≤0.1%). Widely used in aluminum alloying, silicone synthesis, and high-temperature refractories.
| Main Composition | Si ≥99.0%, Fe ≤0.4%, Al ≤0.4%, Ca ≤0.1% (typical impurities) |
| Form | Lumps (10-100mm), Granules (2-15mm), Powder (0-2mm, 0-10mm), Custom sizes available |
| Application | Aluminum alloying (casting/extrusion), silicones & chemicals, photovoltaic (solar) industry, refractory materials |
| Standard | GB/T 2881-2014, ASTM A922, ISO 8288 |
Silicon Metal 441 – Product Overview
Silicon Metal 441 is a premium metallurgical-grade silicon with a minimum silicon content of 99.0%. It is produced by carbothermic reduction of high-purity quartz in electric arc furnaces under strict process control. Our Silicon Metal 441 features a well-balanced, low impurity profile (Fe ≤0.4%, Al ≤0.4%, Ca ≤0.1%), making it the preferred choice for high-performance aluminum alloys, silicone polymer synthesis, and other demanding applications. It serves as the essential raw material for silicone production, high-purity silicon for electronics, and as a critical alloying element to enhance the mechanical properties of aluminum.
Product Core Advantages
- High & Consistent Purity: Minimum 99.0% Si with tightly controlled impurities (Fe, Al, Ca) ensuring predictable performance in sensitive chemical and metallurgical processes.
- Versatile Application: Equally suitable for aluminum alloying (especially 4xxx series), silicone production, photovoltaic applications, and refractory industries.
- Custom Sizing: Available in lumps, granules, or powder to match your specific melting or reaction requirements.
- Optimized Impurity Balance: The 441 composition offers an excellent balance of purity and cost for applications where ultra-high purity (e.g., 1101) is not mandatory but low impurities are critical.
- Stable Supply: Produced in modern submerged arc furnaces with rigorous quality control from raw material to finished product; ISO 9001 certified.
Typical Application Areas
Silicon Metal 441 is essential in many industrial processes:
- Aluminum Alloying: Added to molten aluminum to improve fluidity, reduce cracking, and enhance mechanical properties in castings and extrusions. Standard alloying addition for 4xxx series (e.g., 4043, 4047) welding wire and brazing sheets.
- Silicones & Chemicals: Primary raw material for the synthesis of silicones, silanes, and fumed silica. The controlled impurity levels (especially Fe, Al, Ca) are critical for catalyst performance and high reaction yield in the direct process.
- Photovoltaic (Solar) Industry: Used as a starting material for the production of solar-grade silicon after further purification (Siemens process or metallurgical refinement).
- Refractory Materials: Used in the manufacture of high-temperature ceramics, silicon nitride (Si₃N₄), and refractory bricks.
- Stainless & Specialty Steels: As a deoxidizer and alloying element in certain steel grades requiring tight impurity control.
For specific application guidance or custom formulations, contact our technical team for personalized recommendations based on your production requirements.
Technical Specifications – Silicon Metal 441 & Common Grades
Our Silicon Metal 441 is produced to meet international standards with strict quality control. Below is the chemical composition of our primary grade (Si 441) compared with other common industrial grades for reference. Silicon Metal 441 (highlighted) is our standard offering.
Chemical Composition (Typical Values, % by weight)
| Grade / Designation | Si (%) | Fe (%) | Al (%) | Ca (%) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Si 441 | ≥99.0 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.40 | ≤0.10 | Standard grade for aluminum, silicones, high-performance alloys |
| Si 97 | ≥97.0 | ≤1.5 | ≤1.2 | ≤0.3 | Aluminum alloys, general use, cost-sensitive |
| Si 331 | ≥98.5 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.30 | ≤0.10 | High-purity aluminum alloys, chemical |
| Si 553 | ≥98.5 | ≤0.50 | ≤0.50 | ≤0.30 | General metallurgical, foundry |
| Si 1101 | ≥99.7 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.01 | Electronics, solar, ultra-pure applications |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 1410-1450 | °C |
| Density (at 20°C) | 2.33 | g/cm³ |
| Appearance | Silvery-gray metallic lumps / granules | - |
| Bulk Density (lumps) | 1.2-1.5 | g/cm³ |
Available Sizes
- Lumps: 10-80mm,10-100mm(standard), custom sizes available
- Granules: 2-15mm, 1-6mm (ideal for rapid dissolution)
- Powder: 0-2mm, 0-10mm, -100 mesh, -200 mesh (for chemical industry)
- Custom Sizes: Available upon request to meet specific process requirements
Application Guidelines – Silicon Metal 441
Silicon Metal 441 is a versatile high-purity material with the following primary applications:
Aluminum Alloying
Added to molten aluminum (typically at 5-12% for casting alloys) to improve fluidity, reduce hot tearing, and increase strength. It is the preferred grade for 4xxx series alloys (e.g., 4043, 4047) used in welding wire and brazing sheets, where consistent chemistry is vital for weldability and corrosion resistance.
Chemical Industry (Silicones)
Ground to fine powder and reacted with methyl chloride in the "direct process" to produce methylchlorosilanes, the precursors to silicone polymers. The controlled low levels of Fe, Al, and Ca in Si 441 are critical for maximizing catalyst performance (copper-based) and achieving high selectivity and reaction yield.
Refractory & Ceramics
Used in the production of silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) and other advanced ceramics, as well as a raw material for high-quality silicon-based refractory products.
Photovoltaic (Solar) Applications
After further purification (e.g., via the Siemens process), metallurgical-grade silicon like Si 441 serves as the preferred starting material for solar-grade polysilicon due to its lower impurity burden, reducing refining costs.
Typical Addition Rates (Aluminum)
In aluminum alloying, addition rates typically range from 2% to 12% depending on the target alloy specification. Our technical team can assist with optimal sizing and addition practices for maximum recovery.
Packaging & Logistics – Silicon Metal 441
Packaging Options
We offer various packaging solutions to meet different customer requirements and ensure product integrity during transportation:
- 1‑ton Jumbo Bags: Common option, easy to handle with standard equipment.
- 25kg / 50kg Bags: For smaller orders or specific application requirements (e.g., foundries, laboratories).
- Custom Packaging: We can accommodate special packaging requests, including moisture-proof liners, big bulk bags, or small drums.
Logistics Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Order Quantity | 20 metric tons (trial orders as low as 5 tons subject to availability) |
| Lead Time | 15-20 days after order confirmation |
| Port of Loading | Main Chinese ports (Tianjin, Shanghai, Qingdao, Huangpu) |
| Shipping Options | FOB, CIF, CFR, DAP (depending on destination) |
| Payment Terms | T/T, L/C at sight, or negotiable |
Download Center
Access our technical documentation for detailed product information:
Frequently Asked Questions – Silicon Metal 441
Is it possible to entrust a third-party inspection to check the quality before shipment?
+
Certainly, we support third-party inspections by internationally recognized quality inspection agencies such as SGS and BV to verify product quality before shipment. The inspection covers product appearance, weighing, dimensions, and chemical composition analysis. The entire inspection process will be documented with photos and written records, which will be provided to you together with the final inspection report. This ensures you have no concerns regarding product quality.
What are the main differences between Silicon Metal 441 and 553 or 97?
+
Silicon Metal 441 guarantees Si ≥99.0% with iron ≤0.4%, aluminum ≤0.4%, calcium ≤0.1%. Compared to 553 (Si≥98.5%, Fe≤0.5%, Al≤0.5%, Ca≤0.3%), 441 has tighter control on Al and Ca, making it more suitable for sensitive chemical processes like silicone synthesis. Compared to Si 97 (Si≥97%, higher impurities), 441 provides significantly higher purity for demanding metallurgical and chemical applications.
Is Silicon Metal 441 suitable for silicone production?
+
Yes, absolutely. Si 441 is one of the most commonly used grades for the direct synthesis of methylchlorosilanes (silicone precursors). Its balanced impurity levels (particularly low Al and Ca) help maintain high catalyst activity and selectivity. Many silicone producers worldwide use 441 as their standard feedstock.
What particle size do you recommend for the silicone industry?
+
For the direct process, silicon is typically ground to a fine powder, often between 0-2 mm or -100 mesh. However, the optimal size distribution can vary depending on the reactor design (fluidized bed vs. stirred bed). We can supply custom-sized powders and work with you to define the specification that matches your process.
Do you provide a certificate of analysis with each shipment?
+
Absolutely. Every batch of Silicon Metal 441 is tested in our ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing Si, Fe, Al, Ca, and other relevant elements is provided with the shipping documents.
What is your production capacity for Silicon Metal 441?
+
We have an annual production capacity exceeding 60,000 metric tons of silicon metal across various grades, including Si 441, 553, 331, and 1101. We can accommodate both containerized and bulk vessel shipments with consistent quality.
Can you supply Silicon Metal 441 in drums or small bags for trial purposes?
+
Yes, we offer trial orders in 25kg bags or small drums for qualification purposes. Please contact our sales team to arrange a sample or trial lot.
Why Choose Our Silicon Metal
20+ Years Experience
Specialized in ferroalloy production with deep industry knowledge
Strict Quality Control
Every batch tested to ensure consistent composition and performance
Global Delivery
Reliable logistics network ensuring timely delivery worldwide
Quality & Production Showcase
Explore our quality control process, production facilities, and customer interactions
Silicon Metal Different Grades Comparison
Loading product overview...
Related Products
High Purity Ferro Silicon
Ultra-Low Impurity FeSi Si 76-79%, Al ≤0.01%, Ca ≤0.05%, C ≤0.015%, B ≤0.002%, Ti ≤0.02%, P ≤0.02%, S ≤0.005% Lumps (10-100mm)
View DetailsReady to Order or Need More Information?
Contact our technical sales team for pricing, samples, or application advice tailored to your specific needs.
Contact Us Today