Hi all,

Is there any reason silicon cannot be used as a material in high
temperature applications. I've seen it melts at 1400 DegC, but do its
mechanical properties degrade in any way at say 1000 DegC? Is there any
phase change/softening/creep etc. below the melting point. I purely want
the silicon for its mechanical properties, so it won't be doped.

If the silicon is heated in an oxygen atmosphere, will the silicon oxide
keep growing indefinitely, or does it reach a thickness at which growth
stops regardless of continued heating and oxygen? Will an oxide
layer prevent other impurities from diffusing into the silicon at
these temperatures? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Regards,
Cormac Eason.