Aluminium Foil

Aluminium Foil is a thin, flexible sheet of aluminium metal, typically 0.006 mm to 0.2 mm (0.0002″ to 0.0079″) in thickness, produced by rolling aluminium ingots into ultra-thin layers. Known for its excellent barrier properties, malleability, and heat conductivity, aluminium foil is widely used in packaging, insulation, and household applications. Its non-toxic, lightweight, and recyclable nature makes it indispensable across industries ranging from food preservation to aerospace.

 

Product Description

Parameter	Details
Thickness Range	0.006 mm – 0.2 mm (0.0002″ – 0.0079″)
Common Alloys	8011, 1235, 8079, 1050, 1060, 1100
Temper Designations	O (annealed, soft), H18 (fully hard), H22/H24 (partially hard)
Width Range	200 mm – 1,650 mm (8″ – 65″)
Surface Finish	Plain, embossed, laminated, coated (e.g., anti-stick, lacquered)
Purity Level	≥99% (for food-grade alloys like 1235)
Tensile Strength	50–200 MPa (varies by temper and alloy)
Elongation	1–10% (H18 temper) to 15–30% (O temper)
Standards	ASTM B479, EN 546, GB/T 3198, FDA/EC food safety compliance

Key Alloy Properties:

1235/1050/1060: High purity (99.3%+ Al) for food packaging and electronics.

8011/8079: Iron and silicon additives for strength and heat resistance (e.g., pharmaceutical blister packs).

1100: Balanced formability and corrosion resistance for industrial uses.

 

Chemical Composition of Aluminum Foil (Common Alloys)

Aluminum foil is typically made from high-purity or alloyed aluminum, depending on its application. Below are typical compositions for popular foil alloys (values in weight %):

Alloy	Al (%)	Si (%)	Fe (%)	Cu (%)	Mn (%)	Mg (%)	Zn (%)	Ti (%)	Others
1235	≥99.35	≤0.65	≤0.65	≤0.05	≤0.05	≤0.05	≤0.10	–	–
8011	Balance	0.4–0.8	0.5–1.0	≤0.10	≤0.10	≤0.10	≤0.10	≤0.08	–
8079	Balance	0.05–0.30	0.7–1.3	≤0.05	≤0.05	–	≤0.10	–	–
1050	≥99.50	≤0.25	≤0.40	≤0.05	≤0.05	≤0.05	≤0.05	≤0.03	–
1100	≥99.00	≤0.95	≤0.05	0.05–0.20	≤0.05	–	≤0.10	–	–

Notes:

1235/1050: High-purity aluminum (≥99% Al) for food packaging and electronics (excellent barrier properties).

8011/8079: Iron (Fe) and silicon (Si) improve strength and heat resistance (used in pharmaceutical and industrial foils).

1100: Balanced ductility and corrosion resistance for general-purpose applications.

 

Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Foil

Mechanical properties depend on alloy, temper, and thickness. Foil is often supplied in annealed (O) or hard (H18) tempers. Typical values include:

Alloy	Temper	Thickness (mm)	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HV)
1235	O	0.006–0.2	50–100	20–40	15–30	20–30
8011	H18	0.006–0.2	150–200	140–180	1–3	50–65
8079	O	0.006–0.2	70–120	30–60	10–25	25–35
1050	O	0.006–0.2	60–100	25–50	20–35	20–30
1100	H18	0.006–0.2	130–180	120–160	2–5	40–55

Key Definitions:

Tensile Strength: Maximum stress the foil can withstand before breaking.

Yield Strength: Stress at which permanent deformation begins.

Elongation: Measure of ductility (% stretch before fracture).

Temper:

O (Annealed): Soft, highly ductile (ideal for forming and wrapping).

H18 (Fully Hard): High strength but brittle (used for rigid packaging).

 

Factors Influencing Properties

• Alloying Elements:

High Purity (1235/1050): Excellent for food safety and electrical conductivity.

Fe/Si (8011/8079): Enhances strength and heat resistance for industrial uses.

• Thickness:

Thinner foils (e.g., 0.006mm) are more flexible but less durable.

Thicker foils (e.g., 0.2mm) offer better puncture resistance.

• Surface Treatment:

Lacquered/Coated: Adds anti-corrosion or non-stick properties.

Embossed: Improves rigidity and aesthetic appeal.

 

Primary Applications of Aluminium Foil

• Food & Beverage Packaging:

Wrapping, pouches, and lids for perishable goods.

Retort packaging for ready-to-eat meals.

Chocolate, dairy, and snack packaging.

• Pharmaceutical & Medical:

Blister packs for tablets and capsules.

Sterile barrier systems for medical devices.

• Household & Consumer Goods:

Insulation for ovens, grills, and HVAC systems.

Decorative wraps, candle molds, and craft projects.

• Industrial & Technical:

Capacitors and lithium-ion battery cells.

Thermal insulation in construction and automotive systems.

Radiation shielding in aerospace and nuclear applications.

• Electronics:

Electromagnetic shielding for cables and circuits.

Heat sinks and conductive layers in flexible electronics.

 

Why Choose Aluminium Foil?

√ Barrier Properties: Blocks moisture, oxygen, light, and contaminants.

√ Heat Resistance: Withstands temperatures from -70°C to 350°C (-94°F to 662°F).

√ Lightweight & Flexible: Easily molded, folded, or laminated.

√ Eco-Friendly: 100% recyclable with no degradation in quality.

√ Safety: FDA/EC-compliant for direct food contact.

 

Ordering Guidance

Specify the following when ordering aluminium foil:

Alloy and temper (e.g., 8011-H18 for rigid packaging).

Thickness and width (custom slitting available).

Surface treatment (e.g., lacquered for non-stick baking).

Certifications (e.g., food-grade, ISO-compliant).

 

Applications by Alloy

1235/1050:

Food wrapping, flexible packaging, capacitor foils.

Insulation for cables and lithium-ion batteries.

8011/8079:

Pharmaceutical blister packs, retort pouches, heat exchanger fins.

Industrial laminates and composite materials.

1100:

Decorative foils, HVAC insulation, light reflectors.

 

If you have any questions about aluminium coils, please contact us!