Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of Silicon-Containing Materials

Abstract

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust and occurs widely in nature as silica (silicon dioxide) or as silicate minerals. Although these materials have many uses, the most extensive use of silicon is found in the materials which can be derived from these inorganic precursors. These derivatives include pure silicon metal, which forms the basis of the semiconductor industry and is also used as an alloying agent with other metals, and organic-like derivatives which comprise an important class of polymers, performance enhancing additives to polymers, and reagents for organic synthesis. These organiclike derivatives include commercially important materials such as silane (SiH₄) and its derivatives, siloxanes (chains of alternating Si and 0 atoms), and silicones (organosiloxane polymers, polydimethylsiloxane being the most common).