What Role Has Silicon Played In Architecture and Construction? (Essay Sample)

What Role Has Silicon Played In Architecture And Construction?
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Silicon is a metalloid which was discovered by Jacob Berzelius in the year 1824 (Lodders, 1999). The element has a symbol of Si with an atomic number of 14, and it exists in both crystalline and amorphous forms. Silicon has an electronic configuration of [Ne] 3s23p2 and the atomic mass of 28.0855 u ± 0.0003 u. The melting point of silicon is 1,4140C while its density is 2.3296g/cm. Since its discovery, the element has been used in various sectors to advance infrastructure, and the element has proofed to be of great importance worldwide. The element has substantially enhanced development in electronics, glass industry, and architecture (Buriak, 2002).
According to Lodders (1999), silicon metalloid possesses both metallic and non-metals properties. The metalloid characteristics of silicon depend on the bonds formed with another element. As a metal, the element silicon is used in the electronic industry while, as a non-metal, the element is used to make glass. On earth, silicon occurs as silicon (IV) oxide found in quartz and sand. When silicon joins with atoms of different elements, it creates tetrahedral structures, which form compounds called silanes. Silanes are utilized in architecture as well as in construction in the enhancement, and consolidation of advanced building structures (Wicks and Block, 1961).
Buriak (2002) suggests that silicon element is of great importance and is one of the substances that have seen the massive advancements concerning construction and infrastructure in the entire world. The evident improvements in the elec...