Aluminum foil is a thin sheet of metal paper. The color is silver, and has a shiny appearance. Aluminum foil is used for a variety of applications for the household and industrial purposes.http://www.aluminum.org/Content/NavigationMenu/TheIndustry/Foil/default.htm Commercially, aluminum foil is sold in department stores and grocery stores.
Aluminum foil is made by running large blocks of aluminum called sheet coils under heavy rollers by applying a lot of pressure. To roll the aluminum sheet coils through the rollers, the sheet coils are heated to make the metal pliable and not stick to the rollers. Applying pressure flattens the aluminum to the thinness desired to be processed for aluminum foil. The process of passing the foil through rollers at high speed creates a high gloss, shiny appearance on one side, and a dull appearance on the other.http://www.aluminum.org/Content/NavigationMenu/TheIndustry/Foil/default.htm
Aluminum foil is used with food and cooking in households. Food is covered when baking to provide a layer of protection between food and the heat to prevent drying.http://www.bhg.com/recipes/make-ahead-foils-and-containers/
Industrial use varies from electrical components, televisions, and computers.http://www.aluminum.org/Content/NavigationMenu/TheIndustry/Foil/default.htm
Recycling Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is recyclable material.http://www.alufoil.org/front_content.php?idart=291 Clean aluminum foil may or may not be accepted at the local county recycling facility, as the required machinery to process aluminum foil may not be available. http://www.reynoldsrecycled.com/greening-your-kitchen.html
Making Aluminum Foil
The following video shows how to make aluminum foil. First, pure aluminum is melted down in a natural gas furnace. The aluminum takes 3 to 8 hours to melt at 1380 degrees Fahrenheit. The melted aluminum is then poured into a trough to transport to a tapping well. While in the trough, impurities are taken out. Aluminum is then poured into molds to cool to become large blocks. The blocks are shaved to remove the outside layer, and then the thinning process begins by crushing the blocks until they are 2/10 of an inch thick. It is then placed onto a spool for shipping to the cold rolling mill. The aluminum is then processed to become thinner, and cut smaller to be packaged.
References
Fast Facts
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First commercial production
1910
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First company
Dr. Lauber, Neher & Cie., Emmishofen
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Brands
Reynolds Wrap, Alcoa, Hefty EZ Foil
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Cost
Between $3.00 and $9.00
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Acidic foods
