8011 Aluminum Foil

1. Alloy Composition

8011 aluminum foil belongs to the 8xxx series (aluminum-lithium alloys), though its primary alloying elements are silicon (Si: 0.5–0.9%)and iron (Fe: 0.6–1.0%), with trace amounts of manganese (Mn ≤ 0.2%) and titanium (Ti ≤ 0.08%). This composition provides a balance of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for packaging and industrial applications. The alloy’s purity exceeds 99.85%, ensuring food safety and compliance with strict regulatory standards.

2. Mechanical Properties

• Temper Designations: Common tempers include O (annealed), H18 (fully hard), and H24 (semi-hard):

• O-temper: Soft and highly ductile, with tensile strength ranging from 60–120 MPaand elongation ≥4–15% (depending on thickness).

• H18: Hardened through cold rolling, offering tensile strength ≥160 MPaand minimal elongation, suitable for rigid structures like bottle caps.

• H24: Balances strength (120–170 MPa) and formability, commonly used for container foils and pharmaceutical packaging.

• Formability: O-temper foil is flexible for wrapping, while H18/H24 tempers resist tearing and maintain shape under stress.

3. Physical Properties

• Thickness Range: 0.006–0.2 mm, with thinner gauges (e.g., 9–25 microns) used for food/pharma packaging and thicker gauges (0.17–0.23 mm) for caps and industrial applications.

• Density: 2.71 g/cm³, making it lightweight yet durable.

• Thermal Conductivity: 237 W/m·K, suitable for heat-sensitive applications like cable insulation.

• Electrical Conductivity: 33% IACS, adequate for EMI shielding in electronics.

4. Applications

• Food Packaging: Used for wrapping, containers, and sealing due to its barrier properties against moisture, light, and oxygen. Examples include milk carton liners, chocolate wrappers, and meal trays.

• Pharmaceuticals: PTP (blister) foil, cold-stamped foil, and capsule packaging, where high purity and tamper resistance are critical.

• Industrial Uses: Cable shielding, air conditioner heat exchangers (hydrophilic foil), and honeycomb structures for aerospace and construction.

• Household: Heavy-duty foil for baking and storage, often in O-temper for flexibility.

5. Advantages

• Corrosion Resistance: Silicon and iron enhance resistance to atmospheric exposure, making it suitable for outdoor applications like cable shielding.

• Food Safety: Strict purity controls ensure no harmful leaching, meeting FDA and EU standards.

• Recyclability: Fully recyclable without loss of 性能，aligning with sustainability goals.

• Cost-Effective: Competitive pricing compared to higher-strength alloys like 3003, while offering sufficient performance for most packaging needs.

6. Comparison with Other Alloys

• 1235 Aluminum Foil: Lower strength (80–120 MPa) and purity (~99.35%), cheaper but less suitable for heavy-duty or high-barrier applications.

• 3003 Aluminum Foil: Higher manganese content improves corrosion resistance and formability, but 8011 offers better strength-to-weight ratio for packaging.

• 5052 Aluminum Foil: Stronger and more corrosion-resistant (marine environments), but 8011 is lighter and more cost-effective for general use.

7. Manufacturing and Surface Treatment

• Production: Rolled from molten aluminum, annealed to achieve desired temper, and slit to width (100–1600 mm).

• Surface Finishes: Single/double-sided glossy, lacquered (for caps), or hydrophilic coatings (for heat exchangers).

• Quality Control: In-line skimming and ICP-OES spectroscopy ensure uniform composition and minimal impurities.

8. Environmental Impact

• Recycling: 8011 foil can be recycled indefinitely, requiring only 5% of the energy needed for primary production, reducing CO₂ emissions.

• Sustainability: Used as a replacement for single-use plastics in packaging, contributing to circular economy initiatives.

9. Availability and Pricing

• Market Price: Approximately USD 1,800–2,800 per ton, depending on thickness, temper, and quantity. O-temper household foil is typically cheaper than industrial grades.

• Suppliers: Major producers in China (e.g., Henan Mingtai, Signi Aluminium) offer customized solutions with global distribution.

Conclusion
8011 aluminum foil is a versatile, cost-effective material valued for its strength, corrosion resistance, and food safety. Its adaptability across thicknesses and tempers makes it indispensable in packaging, industrial, and household applications. With a strong focus on sustainability and recyclability, 8011 continues to be a preferred choice in eco-conscious industries.

The Product Specification