Silver in Technology
Silver has long been treasured as a precious material, and used for coins, bars, jewelry, etc. Today, it is amazing how most people know more about the silver as a vampire hunter’s weapon than its use in modern technologies. We can still find it in pure form, but over time, we became adept at developing alloys with other minerals or metals. That is why silver is a crucial component of many devices and appliances we turn off and on each day. So, even when this precious material is not in the spotlight, it has a crucial role to play behind the tech scenes.
Silver Use From Aircraft to Bandages
Silver does not only look cool and shiny, it is a sturdy, versatile material. Its technical proficiency is unparalleled, and low-cost alternatives are risky business. In fact, the strongest alloy in the world is made out of silver and aluminum and it is used for civil aircraft and military helicopters. Even more impressive, NASA’s spacecraft contains silver-coated quartz tiles that protect it from the solar radiation. Other industries conduct chemical processes that involve silver to produce polyester fabrics, hydraulics, engine antifreeze and other materials.
Soft and malleable, silver has the unmatched electrical and thermal conductivity. Thus, millions of ounces of silver are manufactured for green technologies, mostly solar energy. The main ingredient of popular photovoltaic cells is silver, and it can also serve as a transparent coating for thermal windows, reflecting the sunlight during hot summer days. Non-renewable energy also benefits, and high temperature semiconductors will likely revolutionize electrical power transmission.
It seems that silver is on the cutting edge of modern technology. Today, we have silver nanoparticles and silver enforced bandages. There are other ways nanotech makes good use of this precious material, and technological advances always bring forth new ways to apply it in the business world. Many startups are beginning to realize that taking advantage of silver’s characteristics can help them stay ahead of the curve. So, those who want to use this material for various enterprises should seek out providers who deal with different forms of silver such as silver rounds and bars.
Silver in Electronics
The list goes on. A bulk of motors and electronics have silver components, most often switches, superconductors, conductive adhesives, and circuit boards. Also, batteries containing silver perform better than lithium ones, proving the prowess of silver once again. Furthermore, this metal is a favorite option than many manufacturers choose for coating for optical data-storage media like DVDs. As that was not enough, it is expected that printed electronics will push the demand for silver even higher.
Silver ions and compounds may not kill blood suckers, but they do destroy bacteria, algae and fungi. As a result, silver is utilized for water purifiers and sanitizers, replacing substances like chlorine. Of course, these life-saving qualities make silver extremely useful in pharmaceutical industry and indispensable in operating rooms worldwide. On the other hand, some other aspects of silver’s use in technology are yet to reach widespread commercial use.
The Outlook for the Future of Silver in Technology
The full extent of silver’s application in technology is unrevealed, and it seems this material still has some aces up its sleeve. From natural antibacterial properties to superior physical qualities, silver is already raising the bar of human capabilities. It is a part of our daily lives, changing it for the better. Every time we turn on the light, receive a bandage at the hospital, buy a new DVD, or take a flight, we come in contact with the silver. This far-reaching use in the business world has resulted in a booming silver market on a global level and people starting to appreciate it for more than fancy looks.
