Thursday, August 20, 2009

Ways to Use Silver

By Morgan Robinson

Silver is sometimes called the indispensable metal; because it is used for so many different purposes. Silver is used to make beautiful pieces of jewelry and for ornate silverware and serving pieces. Silver is also used for more practical purposes such as in electronics, batteries and in appliances.

Silver has unique chemical properties and is a catalyst that is used in many industrial processes. A catalyst is a substance that facilitates a chemical process. Heat is the world's most common catalyst that helps many processes take place, such as cooking food and baking in ovens.

More than 700 tons of silver is used yearly in the world's chemical industry to produce two compounds. They are ethylene oxide and formaldehyde which are both essential to the plastic industry. Ethylene oxide is the foundation for flexible plastics such as polyester, which is found in clothing. It is also used for molded items such as keyboards for computers and electrical control knobs. Ethylene oxide is also used to produce antifreeze coolant for vehicles. Formaldehyde is a chemical that is the building block for solid plastics including adhesives and particle board. It is also used in a variety of products including dinnerware, buttons and automotive parts.

Silver is an excellent electrical conductor and is used in many applications in electronics from printed circuit boards to TV screens. Silver touch switches are used in buttons on televisions, telephones, microwave ovens and computer keyboards. Silver is also used in conventional light switches like the ones found in your home.

Silver based inks and films are applied to printed circuit boards used in items such as computers and mobile phones. It is also used in antennas which are found in millions of products. Silver is also used to coat CDs and DVD's and is used in Plasma TVs and monitors.

You might be surprised to know that silver has anti bacterial powers. Silver interrupts a bacteria cell's ability to form chemical bonds which they need to survive. Silver prevents bacteria growth but is harmless to humans. Silver imbedded equipment is being used in hospitals for items such as surgical tools, needles, and stethoscopes to help prevent the spread of bacteria. One of the most promising silver applications is silver embedded bandages for burn and wound victims.

Silver when polished offers almost perfect reflectivity which makes it ideal for energy efficient windows. This type of coating reflects almost 95% of the hot rays of the sun. It is being widely used in double pane windows because it will save on household energy bills. Silver is being used in prescription sunglasses because it reflects harmful rays from the sun. Silver is also showing up in paint because of its anti bacterial properties that will help to stop fungus from growing and is germ free.

Now you should understand why silver is referred to as an indispensable metal. Silver has so many different and vital uses. Silver is used not only to make fine jewelry; it is also used in almost all industries. That is why recycling precious metals is important not only to the environment but to our way of life.

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