15 micron aluminium foil
Aluminium foil is a versatile material extensively used across industries for packaging, insulation, and various other functions due to its flexibility, durability, and excellent barrier properties. Among the various thicknesses available, 15 micron aluminium foil stands out for its perfect balance of strength and flexibility.
15 Micron Aluminium Foil
The term "15 micron aluminium foil" refers to aluminium sheets that are 15 micrometers thick (1 micron = 1 micrometer = 0.001 millimeter). This precise thickness allows the foil to be strong enough to protect contents while remaining thin enough to maintain pliability and excellent conformability.
Attributes inherent to 15 micron aluminium foil include exceptional tensile strength, good thermal conductivity, and superior barrier protection against moisture, light, and gases. This makes it suitable for food and pharmaceutical packaging, insulation products, electronic applications, and decorative purposes.
Core Functions of 15 Micron Aluminium Foil
- Moisture and Gas Barrier: 15 micron foil prevents moisture vapor transmission and air permeation, locking in freshness in packaging applications.
- Thermal Insulation: Its reflective properties help control heat transfer, making it ideal as an insulator in heating and cooling devices.
- Mechanical Protection: Serves as a barrier against physical damage, dust, and light.
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to many chemicals and does not react with food or pharmaceuticals.
- Decoration and Labeling: Can be laminated and embossed to add a premium look to premium packaging.
Applications
Because of its specific thickness and remarkable properties, 15 micron aluminium foil is extensively used across industries such as:
- Food Packaging: Protects frozen foods, snack foods, dairy products, and confectionery with extended shelf life due to moisture and oxygen resistance.
- Pharmaceuticals: Used to manufacture blister packs that shield medicines from humidity and contamination.
- Cosmetics: Incorporated into tubes and covers to maintain product purity.
- Electrical & Electronics: Acts as shielding material in cables and circuit boards to prevent electromagnetic interference.
- Construction and Insulation: As core material in insulation composites to improve energy efficiency.
- Household: Used in cooking foil and wrap for reheating and food storage.
Technical Specifications of 15 Micron Aluminium Foil
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 15 microns (±0.5 microns) |
| Width Range | Typically 100 mm to 1600 mm |
| Standard Length | Varies; typically in roll form |
| Alloy | 8011 or 8021 is common |
| Temper | H14 (half hard) or H18 (hard) temper |
| Surface Finish | Bright (rolled), Matt (dead soft) |
| Density | Approx. 2.7 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | 90 - 130 MPa (depending on temper) |
| Elongation at Break | 5 - 15% (depending on temper) |
| Coating | Can be lacquered or laminated as needed |
Alloy and Temper Details
The most frequently used alloy for household and packaging aluminium foil is 8011 due to its excellent corrosion resistance and workability. Sometimes, 8021 is used for pharmaceutical applications. The temper significantly affects foil characteristics as shown below:
| Alloy | Temper | Description | Typical Tensile Strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8011 | H14 | Half hard; good formability & strength | 120-130 | 8-12 |
| 8011 | H18 | Hard temper; higher strength | 150-170 | 5-7 |
| 8021 | H14 | Suitable for pharma blister packs | 110-140 | 9-12 |
Chemical Composition
The composition of typical 15 micron aluminium foil alloy 8011, according to industry standards, is as follows:
| Element | Composition Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Aluminium (Al) | Balance (≥ 97.9%) |
| Iron (Fe) | 0.15 - 0.65 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 - 0.40 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.45 - 1.20 |
| Copper (Cu) | ≤ 0.15 |
| Others | Trace |
Implementation Standards
The manufacture of 15 micron aluminium foil usually complies with international quality and safety standards to ensure uniformity and reliability. General industry guidelines include:
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| ASTM B479 | Standard Specification for Aluminium and Aluminium-Alloy Foil |
| EN 573 | Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Chemical composition and form of wrought products |
| ISO 2106 | Aluminium and aluminium alloys - Chemical composition and form of wrought products |
| BIS IS 737/1520 | Specifications for aluminium foil relevant to thickness and purity |
These standards regulate consistent quality in chemical content, dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, and surface finish.
Dimensional Tolerances & Physical Characteristics
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Thickness Tolerance | ±0.5 micron |
| Width Tolerance | ±2 mm to ±5 mm (by width) |
| Core Diameter | 76 mm, 150 mm standard cores |
| Surface Quality | Free of cracks, pinholes, and burrs |
Physical resistance such as tear strength often improves with suitable temper choices, balancing the required softness or rigidity depending on end-use.
