The Iron Curtain, which was the grim symbol of Soviet suppression of European and Eurasian countries for decades, was mainly built out of steel and lined with concrete. However, there were other materials used for the construction of this barrier and one of these material was silicon. Silicon was used in the Iron Curtain during the 1950’s, specifically during the reign of the Soviet Union. This silicon was primarily sourced from the newly formed, industrialised countries of Eastern Europe, such as Romania and Hungary.
Silicon was used to build secure, armored sections of the Iron Curtain and was known as “Soviet Silicon Iron”. It proved to be an effective defensive asset against attempts to breach the barricade by normal methods. The solidity and strength of Soviet Silicon Iron presented a challenge to any and all would-be invaders. It was much harder to penetrate and tear down than ordinary steel or concrete and could not be penetrated using traditional weapons such as explosives or tanks.
Soviet Silicon Iron was composed of 3 parts – 80 percent silicon, 10 percent iron and 10 percent manganese. The exact composition was not known outside of the Soviet Union, making it difficult for other nations to understand how it was created or replicated. It was a closely guarded secret and its production methods remained shrouded in mystery for many years.
The Iron Curtain was not the only use for Soviet Silicon Iron. It was also used for other military applications, such as for the protective shield plating on tanks and other armored vehicles. It was even used to produce artillery and gun barrels, along with a host of other military components. It was also used for constructing powerful naval destroyers and warships.
For decades the Iron Curtain served as a symbol of Soviet power and subjugation of the people living under its rule. However, its use of Soviet Silicon Iron was a testament to the forward-thinking and innovative nature of the Soviet Union during this time. It demonstrated the Soviets’ commitment to creating powerful, resilient and innovative military technologies, even in times of chaos and conflict.
Though the Iron Curtain has fallen, the legacy of Soviet Silicon Iron lives on. It is still used by many countries in military applications and can still be seen in many places in the form of artillery shells and weapon barrels. It continues to represent a powerful technological achievement of the Soviet Union and serves as a reminder of the impressive feats of engineering and innovation which were achieved during a period of tremendous political tension and unrest.
