Applications
Several industrial and medical applications exist for the simplest silane (SiH4) and functionalized silanes. For instance, silanes are used as coupling agents to adhere glass fibers to a polymer matrix, stabilizing the composite material. They can also be used to couple a bio-inert layer on a titanium implant. Other applications include water repellents, masonry protection, control of graffiti, applying polycrystalline silicon layers on silicon wafers when manufacturing semiconductors, and sealants.
Silane (SiH4) and similar compounds containing Si—H bonds are used as reducing agents in organic and organometallic chemistry.
“Magic sand” exposes regular sand to trimethylhydroxysilane vapors to make the sand waterproof.
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