Silane, a molecule made up of a central silicon atom with four bonds. The junctions can be any combination of organic or inorganic groups.
Summary
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- 1 How it is formed
- 2 main properties
- 3 Applications
- 1 Protection of construction materials
- 4 Sources
How it is formed
In the presence of hydrogen , silicon forms a family of compounds, the Silanes. Silane (SiH4) is the essential monomer of this family and the one with the greatest number of applications.
Main properties
Silane is a colorless gas , suffocating aroma and low density (0.7 g / ml) and is an irritant for sensitive parts of the body. SiH4 is also called silicon IV hydride and has the peculiar property, at room temperature, of being a pyrophoric gas. This means that enters combustion spontaneously having contact with the air , without the need for ignition by a heat source. It also decomposes easily (420 ° C) into its elements, for this reason it is used to generate gaseous silicon in some processes.
Applications
- Use in ceramics, cement, glass and lime where it is a component of mixtures .
- In electronics itis widely used as a precursor to other silicon compounds that are crucial for the manufacture of copier drums and solar cells .
- In chemistry itis used as a reducing agent for organic and organometallic synthesis, it is also the monomer of multiple inorganic polymers , some obtained by the sol-gel method. Silanes react with oxygen by breaking down (eliminating them as a possible structural molecule for aerobic life).
- They have enormous utility in astronautics. It is a compound used as part of jet fueland the possibility of using it as a combustion initiator in reactors for space travel has been studied.
Protection of construction materials
For more than half a century, architects and building designers have been using different alternatives for the protection of construction materials. Sealants, glazed compounds, aqueous repellents and additives for [concrete] are some alternatives. Among these, the silicon-based Silane compounds stand out for their ease of use, guaranteeing more durable protection and therefore with low maintenance costs. These silicon compounds can incorporate mineral fillers and chemical additives using appropriate manufacturing techniques. The protection of construction materials can be done through:
