Tin foils refer to composite films consisting of an aluminum foil layer laminated between polymer films such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), etc. These films have excellent gas and moisture barrier properties due to the aluminum foil core while also providing flexibility, tear resistance and printability from the polymer outer layers. The different material combinations and layer constructions also make tin foils suitable for a wide range of packaging applications.

Material Construction and Aluminum Laminated Film

Standard tin foils have a construction consisting of 12-100 μm thick aluminum foil laminated between two 12-100 μm thick polymer films. Common polymer films include LDPE, LLDPE, BOPP and PET due to their compatibility with aluminum as well as favorable barrier and mechanical properties. The lamination process uses an adhesive layer such as polyethylene to bond the layers together. This creates a uniform and strongly adhered composite film.

The Aluminum Laminated Film core imparts excellent oxygen and moisture barrier while also blocking gases, aromas and light. This makes tin foils ideal for packaging oxygen- and moisture-sensitive products. The polymer layers on the other hand make the film flexible enough to be easily handled and converted into packaging formats like sachets, pouches, wraps, etc. Films made of LDPE or LLDPE are heat-sealable as well to allow automated packaging on form-fill-seal machines.

Packaging Applications

Food Packaging

The strong barrier properties of tin foils make them ideal for food packaging applications requiring extended shelf-life. Common food products packaged include snacks, chips, coffee, tea bags, cereals, pastries, dried fruits, etc. to protect them from oxidation, moisture and preserve freshness. The heat-sealable polyethylene layers also enable automated packaging.

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