Plain Aluminum Foil for Packaging Aluminium Foil
Aluminum foil has become an indispensable material everywhere from kitchen storage to industrial packaging. Among its variants, Plain Aluminum Foil for Packaging stands out for its versatility, durability, and protective qualities.
What is Plain Aluminum Foil?
Plain Aluminum Foil refers to a thin sheet of pure aluminum or aluminum alloy rolled out to thicknesses usually less than 0.2mm (200 microns). Its surface is smooth without embossing or laminations, providing uniform strength and excellent barrier properties.
The foil is manufactured using advanced rolling and annealing processes, which enable precise control over thickness, temper, and performance features essential for packaging applications.
Functions and Benefits of Plain Aluminum Foil for Packaging
Plain aluminum foil offers a balance of protection, flexibility, and cost-efficiency that makes it appealing for packaging applications.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Barrier Protection | Shields against moisture, oxygen, light, and microorganisms, extending product shelf life. |
| Mechanical Strength | Resistant to tearing and punctures, maintaining packaging integrity during transport. |
| Heat Resistance | Withstands moderate heat, allowing its use in thermal cooking & heat sealing joints. |
| Flexibility & Malleability | Easily folds and contours around products of varied shapes without cracking or breaking. |
| Non-Toxic & Food Safe | Inert surface suitable for direct food contact and safe for pharmaceutical products. |
| Recyclability | Aluminum foil is 100% recyclable, supporting environmental sustainability. |
Typical Applications of Plain Aluminum Foil Packaging
Thanks to these properties, plain aluminum foil is employed across diverse industrial sectors. Some uses include:
- Food and Beverage Packaging: Wraps for snacks, chocolates, cheeses, dairy products, frozen foods, and ready meals provide freshness and protection. Thin foil suits moisture-sensitive items.
- Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: Blister packs, sachets for medicines, vaccines, diagnostic devices utilize foil for robust, sterile packaging.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care: Foil pouches for lotions, makeup, and other cosmetics take advantage of foil’s impervious nature to preserve quality.
- Industrial Products: Electrical insulation, chemical packaging, and high-barrier protective layers in complex packaging laminates.
- Household and Catering: Common kitchen uses like wrapping foods or sealing takeaway can containers.
Technical Specifications and Standards
Plain aluminum foil is produced with strict adherence to national and international standards ensuring quality consistency.
Relevant Implementation Standards
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| ASTM B479/B479M | Standard Specification for Roll Foil |
| EN 573-3 | Aluminum and aluminum alloys — Chemical composition |
| ISO 6362 | Aluminum and aluminum alloys — H14 temper process |
| GB/T 3192 | Aluminium and aluminium alloy sheet and strip chemical composition (China) |
Alloy and Temper Conditions
The alloy composition and temper (heat treatment and cold-working) dictate mechanical properties, ductility, and formability of foil.
| Alloy Series | Temper Code | Description | Mechanical Traits | Packages Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1200 (Pure) | O | Fully annealed (soft) | High ductility, corrosion resistant | Most food wrapping applications |
| 1100 | H14 | Cold worked hard temper | Medium strength, more rigidity | Pharmaceutical blister laminate |
| 8011 (Al-Mn) | H19 | Full hard temper | High stiffness and toughness | Food packaging with rolling seals |
Chemical Properties of Plain Aluminum Foil
Typically, pure aluminum or aluminum alloys used for packaging manufacture have strict chemical compositions to guarantee performance.
| Element | Alloy 1200 (%) | Alloy 1100 (%) | Alloy 8011 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 99.00 min | 99.00 min | 97.00 - 99.00 |
| Iron | 0.35 max | 0.95 max | 0.40 max |
| Silicon | 0.05 max | 0.25 max | 0.50 max |
| Copper | 0.05 max | 0.05 max | 0.05 max |
| Manganese | — | — | 0.30 - 0.85 |
| Others | 0.15 max | 0.10 max | 0.15 max |
Common Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Typical Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness (microns) | 6 – 200 | Thickness spans very thin (household) to thicker for industrial use |
| Width (mm) | 10 – 1500 | Supplied in varying reels to meet custom demands |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 35 – 150 | Related to temper; higher for cold-worked conditions |
| Elongation (%) | 2 – 35 | Reflects flexibility and malleability |
| Density (g/cm³) | 2.70 | Characteristic of aluminum |
| Surface Finish | bright and dull/ mat | Plain foil often bright or matte plated |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (inert) | Protects internal packaging materials |
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