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In Earth's crust, silicon is the second most abundant element after oxygen, making up 25.7% of the crust by mass. It is the most common metalloid, and is the key component of the burgeoning solar power industry, which is based on high purity silica (SiO2). Since 1943, Dow Corning Corporation has created a long list of innovations that have improved lives around the world. The following is a summary of ways silicon based products impact our lives every day.

Solar Power

Most photovoltaic cells rely on silicon to convert sunlight into electric current. Due to the growing demand for renewable sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has advanced dramatically in recent years

Computers and Electronics

Hyper-pure polycrystalline silicon is a fabricated raw material that is used in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries as the base for computer chips and electronics. Delicate circuit boards in computers, VCRs, and cell phones are protected with silicon-based materials. Dow Corning products also help in the manufacture of computer chips by offering ozone-safe cleaning materials. In the age of electronics, silicon-based materials help us work faster and more efficiently.

Automobiles

Durable sealants, lubricants, protective coatings, and greases help keep automobiles running smoothly. Coatings for airbag fabrics, car polishes, automotive vinyl protectants, paints, oil pan gaskets, and spark plug boots and cables also benefit from silicon science.

Textiles

Silicon-based products can improve the feel ("hand") of fabrics, as well as waterproofing them. Dow Corning products also help in the manufacture of textiles and leather goods and protect textiles from stains, wrinkles, and shrinking.

Household Products

Dow Corning silicon-based materials help improve the performance of laundry detergents, fabric softeners, cleaners and solvents, and other household products in your home.

Personal Care

Silicon-based materials are used in numerous personal care applications. They provide that silky-smooth feel in hair care products. They also enhance the performance of deodorants, antiperspirants, cosmetics, and skin moisturizers and lotions.

Healthcare

Silicon-based products provide tubing for dialysis, hydrocephalus shunts, pacemaker leads, and lubrication of syringe needles.

Construction and Architecture

Dow Corning products protect buildings against the ravages of nature. Historic lighthouse preservation, for example, benefits from a unique Dow Corning breathable coating, which waterproofs the exterior while allowing trapped moisture to escape. Other applications include glazing sealants for high-rise commercial buildings, roofing materials, pavement sealants, firestop materials, and bathtub caulks. This range allows silicon-based products to seal the deal.

Paper

Silicon-based products are found in release coatings for label-backing paper, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and paper coatings.

Aerospace

Dow Corning provides aerospace sealants, elastomers, fluids, and resins to keep the world flying and space missions on course.

Manufacturing

Silicon-based materials are used as process aids, coupling agents, defoamers, and antifoams for a variety of industries.

Food and Related Industries

Silicon-based materials are used as defoamers in flavor concentrates, beverages, edible oils, prepackaged foods, and confections - and as release agents for bread, bun, and cake pans.