Silicon Oxide SiOx

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Introduction to Silicon Oxide SiOx

Silicon oxide, also known as silicon dioxide (SiO₂), is a highly versatile material widely used in numerous industrial sectors due to its exceptional insulating, protective, and chemically stable properties.

This compound, obtained through advanced deposition technologies, is essential for enhancing the performance and durability of a wide range of components.

Techno Mida S.r.l. is a reference point for silicon oxide treatments, offering tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each customer. Thanks to the use of cutting-edge technologies, we guarantee top-quality coatings that combine resistance, insulation, and versatility.

This treatment is particularly suitable for applications requiring protection against extreme environmental conditions, electrical and thermal insulation, as well as long operational life. Discover how silicon oxide can enhance your processes and industrial products.

Delivery times may vary from 3 business days to one week.

Below are some examples of silicon oxide processing, SiOx coating:

What is Silicon Oxide?

Silicon oxide is a chemical compound composed of silicon and oxygen, known for its extraordinary chemical stability and versatility. This material can be deposited in the form of thin films or thicker layers, depending on specific industrial needs.

Key Features:

Increased Surface Hardness: Provides treated surfaces with greater wear resistance.
High Thermal Stability: Maintains its properties up to temperatures of 500 °C, making it ideal for extreme operating environments.
Very High Oxidation Resistance: Protects surfaces from oxidizing and atmospheric agents.
Deposition on Multiple Materials: Compatible with metallic, ceramic, and polymeric substrates.
Suitable for Food Contact: Ensures safety and compliance for applications in the food sector.
Low Deposition Temperature: The process occurs at moderate temperatures, protecting heat-sensitive materials.

Application Process:

Chemical or Physical Deposition: Silicon oxide is applied using advanced technologies such as PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition) or other thin-film coating processes.
Thickness Control: The coating thickness is adjustable to ensure optimal performance based on the customer’s specific needs.
Surface Finish: The treatment ensures uniform surfaces, free of defects, with optimal properties for the required application.

Properties and Advantages of Silicon Oxide

Technical Data:

Coating Properties	Value
Hardness	700-900 HV
Roughness	Does not alter the initial surface
Color	Transparent
Corrosion Resistance	900 hours in salt spray
Coating Thickness	0.5 ÷ 5 μm

The silicon oxide coating offers a unique combination of properties and advantages, making it an excellent choice for various industrial applications. Below are the details:

Coating Properties:

Compliant for Food Contact: Meets the requirements of REG.EU 1935/2004 and FDA FOOD CONTACT regulations, ensuring safety for applications in the food sector.
Thin Film Treatment: The coating thickness ranges from 0.5 to 5 μm, obtained through PACVD (Plasma Assisted-Chemical Vapor Deposition) technology, which uses high-energy but low-temperature plasma.
Surface Hardness: Values range between 700 and 900 HV, providing optimal mechanical protection.
Corrosion Resistance: Ensures 900 hours in salt spray, protecting surfaces from chemical and oxidative agents.
Water Repellency: Treated surfaces become water-repellent, maintaining their properties even in humid and aggressive environments.
Colorless and Non-Altering: The coating is transparent and does not modify the initial roughness of the treated surfaces.

Coatable Materials:

The coating is applicable to a wide range of materials, including:

Steels.
Light alloys (aluminum, titanium, magnesium).
Ceramic materials.
Organic polymers.
Chrome.

Thanks to these properties, silicon oxide represents a versatile and innovative solution to improve the protection, durability, and performance of components in numerous industrial sectors.

Applications of Silicon Oxide

The exceptional properties of silicon oxide make it ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. Below are some of the main areas of use:

1. Electronics Sector:

Integrated Circuits and Semiconductors: Silicon oxide is widely used as a dielectric layer to ensure electrical insulation and protection.
Sensors and Electronic Devices: Protection against atmospheric and chemical agents to improve reliability and durability.

2. Mechanical Industry:

Components Subject to Wear: Wear-resistant coatings to extend the operational life of metal surfaces.
Protection of Parts Subject to Corrosion: Ideal for applications in humid or aggressive environments.

3. Medical Sector:

Medical Instruments and Devices: Coatings compliant with food and medical regulations, safe for human contact.
Easy-to-Clean Surfaces: Suitable for sterile environments due to its water-repellent and non-stick properties.

4. Optical Sector:

Lenses and Optical Components: Protection against scratches and oxidation, improving durability and transparency.
Anti-Reflective Coatings: Applications to enhance the optical efficiency of advanced devices.

5. Food Industry:

Food Production Plants: Corrosion-resistant coatings compliant with food contact regulations.
Hygienic Surfaces: Ease of cleaning and resistance to chemicals used for sanitation.

Thanks to its versatility, silicon oxide is an ideal choice for numerous sectors, ensuring superior performance, safety, and durability.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What materials can be treated with silicon oxide? The coating is compatible with a wide range of materials, including steels, light alloys (aluminum, titanium, magnesium), ceramic materials, organic polymers, and chrome.

2. What is the typical thickness of the silicon oxide coating? The treatment offers adjustable thicknesses between 0.5 and 5 μm, ideal for precision applications without altering the original dimensions of the components.

3. Is silicon oxide suitable for food contact? Yes, the coating complies with REG.EU 1935/2004 and FDA FOOD CONTACT regulations, ensuring safety for food applications.

4. What are the corrosion resistance properties? The coating ensures up to 900 hours of resistance in salt spray, protecting surfaces from aggressive environments and chemical agents.

5. Does silicon oxide alter the appearance of treated surfaces? No, the coating is transparent and does not modify the roughness or original appearance of the surfaces.

6. Is it possible to apply the treatment at low temperatures? Yes, the PACVD process occurs at low temperatures, making it suitable for heat-sensitive materials.

7. In which sectors is the silicon oxide coating most used? The treatment is widely used in electronics, mechanics, medical, optical, and food sectors due to its versatility and unique properties.