Description
Calcium silicide has the molecular formula of Ca
2Si
and the molecular weight of 96.2514 g/mol. This salt can be formed by the reaction of Ca metal, mixed with Si, at 850°C in an
inert atmosphere.
Physical properties
Calcium silicide,
also called calcium disilicide, is an inorganic compound,
a silicide of calcium. It is a whitish or dark gray to black
solid matter with melting point between 700 and 935°C.
It is insoluble in water, but may decompose when subjected
to moisture, evolving hydrogen and producing
calcium hydroxide. It decomposes in hot water. It is
flammable and may ignite in air by producing silane
that spontaneously ignites.
Uses
The uses of calcium silicide are many. Some of these
include:
Calcium silicide is used for manufacture of special
metal alloys, e.g. for removing phosphorus and as
a deoxidizer.
In pyrotechnics, it is used as fuel to make special
mixtures, e.g. for production of smokes, in flash
compositions, and in percussion caps.
Calcium silicide is used in the manufacture of
certain initiatory, pyrotechnic and smoke
compositions.
The silicon and calcium alloy is mainly used as
desulfurizing agent and deoxidizer for steel industry
and casting industry.
Calcium silicide has been found to be extremely
corrosive to all metals including the refractory metals.
It has been successfully contained in boron nitride for
36 h.
The formation of calcium silicide (CaSi
2) intermetallic
through the simultaneous reduction of calcium oxide
from the electrolyte and of the silica pellet and
reduction of dissolved carbon dioxide.
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