What commercial applications are metalloids used for in society?
I’m having a little difficulty finding the answer. Can anyone help me find out what commercial applications metalloids are used for in society?
Metalloids are Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Tellurium, and Polonium. How are these used in society?
Metalloids are Boron, Silicon, Germanium, Arsenic, Antimony, Tellurium, and Polonium. How are these used in society?
By: meglin !
About the Author:
Filed under Chemistry by on Jan 14th, 2010. 
Comments on What commercial applications are metalloids used for in society?
Marketing Strategies
Without the metalloids we would have no computers or anything else electronic (silicon, germanium). Those old tube amps and other circuits would make home electronics prohibitive.
Marketing Strategies
Boron is found in boric acid – a mild antiseptic and insect killer.
Silicon is used in computers and other electronics.
Germanium is used in fiber optics.
Arsenic can be used with gallium in semiconductors, but it is generally used as an insecticide.
Antimony is used in Batteries, antifriction alloys, small arms and tracer ammunition, cable sheathing, matches, medicines, antiprotozoan drugs, plumbing, soldering (some “lead-free” solders contain 5% Sb), and a couple of other things.
Tellurium is used in ceramics, semiconductors, and blasting caps.
Polonium uses are few and far between as it is synthetic. Some uses can be found here: