Silicon and Its Role in Architecture (Essay Sample)

Silicon Chemical Properties and Its Role in Architecture and Construction
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Silicon and its Role in Architecture and Construction
Silicon [Si] is a group IV element with electronic configuration 1s2 2s2 2p63s2 3p2. It is a metalloid since it possesses both properties of metals and those of non-metals. The metalloid property of silicon depends on the element to which it is bonded. As a metal, silicon is used in electronics while, as a non-metal, it is used in glass. In nature, silicon occurs as silicon dioxide that is also known as silica found in sand and quartz. When silicon atom is attached to atoms of other elements, it forms tetrahedral structures, resulting in compounds called silanes. Silanes are used in architecture and construction for consolidation, conservation and enhancement of durability in the modern building structures.
Silanes used in architecture and construction act as consolidating materials. They contain one or two organic radicals that are covalently bonded to silicon atom hence introducing consolidating and hydrophilic properties in the building materials. The remaining unbounded positions of silicon are occupied by methoxide (CH3O) or ethoxy groups (C2H5O) (Martin & Daneil, 2014). The resulting compound –Si-O-Si-O-Si-O- has inorganic silicon backbone. The bond has higher bond energy; it is longer and flatter as compared to Carbon Oxygen bond (C-O). More so, Si-O bond has a lower barrier to rotation than C-O bond.Hence, it has higher free volume. These properties of Si-O bond deduce silicon sealant’s consolidating mechanical properties that are vital in strongly binding building and construction materials.[According to Martin & Daniel (2014), The Silicon-Oxygen backbone is an inorganic material while polyurethane is an organic material. Polyurethane hardens and cracks over time a disadvantage. Silicone therefore plays a more sustainable role in architecture and construction.]
The salts and esters of silicic acid are used in architectural conservations. The interest of conservation is based on the fact that besides working as consolidants of hydrophilic materials, silanes also introduce some hydrophobic features into the treated building material. Joinleader Company, leading global sealants and adhesive producer conducted research on conservation properties of silane in extreme environmental conditions. The company established skyscrapers projects in Zhoushan Island Eastern China. The location is less than 2 kilometers from the ocean, and it often experiences strong typhoons. Once their project was finished in 2011, Zhoushan Island was hit by ‘Plum Blossom Typhoon’ with the center speed of 35 meters per second. The structural sealant used in the construction of the facade protected the skyscrapers as the typhoon worked its way (Martin & Daneil, 2014). Their project served as a good prove that silicon sealant application in building and construction is reasonable, stable and sustainable.
In architecture and construction, silicone sealants, coating, and adhesives make building materials work better and durable. Silicone materials make strong bonds with almost all building and construction materials such as concrete, steel, granite, glass, and plastics. Sealants also ensure that structures remain stable and firm because they absorb the stress that may result from wind or earthquake (American Chemistry Council, 2015). Furthermore, they have added an advantage in architecture and construction as they protect the joints and building materials from corrosion, ultraviolet radiation, heat, moisture, and pollution. Research conducted on the durability of silicon joints shows that silicon joints last for more than 20 years whereas other joints such as those of polyurethane last between 5-10 years (Martin & Daneil, 2014).[According to American Chemistry Council (2015), Silicones are high performance materials formed by reacting silicon with methyl chloride and further reacting it with...