Silicon (notice the spelling difference from “silicone”), is number 14 on the periodic table of elements and happens to be second most abundant element in the earth’s crust. It was first isolated as an element in the 1820’s and has since been used to create products we use in everyday life. It is used in semiconductors and photovoltaic panels. Silicon dioxide, or silica, is used in concrete and in the production of ceramics. Silicon is also used to create silicone, a manmade compound with many applications. It is used in the medical community (think implants) and as a lubricant used in both industrial applications and for food preparation (non-stick cookware). What this article will focus on though is its use in the construction industry, as a sealant.
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