In explaining aluminum foil and the history of production of this low-density metal, it is better to start with the description of aluminum foil.
Aluminum foil is made of thin sheets less than 0.2 mm thick (0.0079). The thickness of this metal is less than 6 micrometers (0.000024). Standard household foil is usually 0.016 mm (0.00063 in.) Thick and thick household foil is usually 0.024 mm (0.000094 in.) Thick. Foil is flexible and can be easily bent or wrapped around objects. Thin foils are brittle and are sometimes laminated to other materials such as plastic or paper to make them easier to use. Aluminum foil replaced tin foil in the mid-20th century.
. Aluminum is the third most abundant element after oxygen and silicon and the most common type of metal. And it is interesting to know that eight percent of the Earth’s crust is made of this metal. Its ore, called bauxite, is mined, which contains aluminum oxide, silicon oxide, iron and other metals.
. Aluminum is notable for its low density and high ability to resist corrosion through passivation.
It should be noted that aluminum and its alloys are vital to the aerospace industry and are important in the transportation and construction industries, such as building facades and window frames. Aluminum oxide and sulfate are useful compounds of this metal.
Production of aluminum sheets and foils
Aluminum foil is produced by melting aluminum ingots and then rolling on the sheet to the desired thickness, or by continuous casting and cold rolling. To keep the thickness constant in the production of aluminum foil, beta rays are passed through the foil to a sensor on the other side. If the radiation intensity to the sensor increases, the rollers are adjusted to increase the thickness of the foil. If the radiation intensity is too low and the foil becomes too thick, the rollers apply more pressure and make the foil thinner.
The continuous casting method requires less energy. Preferably used for foil production process with thicknesses less than 0.025 mm (0.0001 inches). In the last stage of rolling, the foil passes between the rolling rollers in a curved manner. It separates later. With this method, foil can be produced with one glossy side and one matte side. The two sides of the foil that are in contact with each other are matte and the outer sides are glossy; This is to reduce the possibility of foil tearing, increase production efficiency and better thickness control.
Some lubrication is required during the rolling process. Otherwise, the foil surface can be identified by a chin pattern. These oils are sprayed on the foil surface before passing through the mill rolls. Kerosene-based oils are commonly used as rolling oils.
