Aluminium foil

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  Aluminium foil

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  Rubber with sodium silicate beads on aluminium foil

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  Measuring aluminium foil with a micrometer

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  Reese's peanut butter cups wrapped in aluminium foil

Aluminium Foil

Aluminium foil, also known as aluminum foil in North America, is a thin sheet of aluminium metal. It is produced by rolling large slabs of aluminium until they are less than 0.2 mm thick. The foil is pliable, and can be easily bent or wrapped around objects. It is commonly used for packaging, insulation, and cooking.

History

The first use of aluminium foil dates back to the early 20th century. In 1910, the first industrial production of aluminium foil was established in Switzerland. It quickly replaced tin foil, which was used prior to the advent of aluminium foil. Aluminium foil became popular due to its superior malleability and resistance to corrosion.

Production

Aluminium foil is produced by rolling aluminium slabs cast from molten aluminium in a rolling mill to the desired thickness. The process involves several stages of rolling, annealing, and rerolling. The final product is a thin, flexible sheet of aluminium that can be cut to size and used for various applications.

Properties

Aluminium foil is known for its excellent barrier properties. It is impermeable to light, oxygen, moisture, and bacteria, making it ideal for food packaging. It is also non-toxic and does not impart any taste or odor to food. The foil's reflective surface helps to retain heat, making it useful for cooking and insulation.

Uses

Aluminium foil is widely used in the food industry for packaging and preserving food. It is used to wrap food items to keep them fresh and to prevent contamination. In the kitchen, it is used for cooking, baking, and grilling. Aluminium foil is also used in pharmaceutical packaging, cosmetics, and electronics.

In addition to packaging, aluminium foil is used in insulation for buildings and electrical cables. It is also used in the production of capacitors and other electronic components.

Environmental Impact

The production of aluminium foil requires significant energy, and the mining of bauxite, the primary ore of aluminium, can have environmental impacts. However, aluminium foil is recyclable, and recycling aluminium saves a substantial amount of energy compared to producing new aluminium from raw materials.

Related Pages

• Aluminium
• Packaging
• Recycling
• Insulation