Properties Decorative aluminium foilsAluminium foil typically has a highly reflective side and a more matte sideThis is a result of common manufacturing processesAs aluminium foil is easy to tear, the foil is sent through machines in pairsThe side where the aluminium foil was in contact with the other sheet is more matte than the exterior sideThis difference in the finish has led to the perception that favouring a side has an effect when cookingWhile many believe that the shiny side's reflective properties keep heat in when wrapped on the interior and keep heat out when facing exterior, the actual difference is imperceptible without instrumentation [1] A foil is a very thin sheet of metal, usually made by hammering or rolling a piece of metalFoils are most easily made with malleable metals, such as aluminium, copper, tin, and goldFoils usually bend under their own weight and can be torn easilyThe more malleable a metal, the thinner foil can be made with itFor example, aluminium foil is usually about 1/1000 inch (0.03 mm), whereas gold (more malleable than aluminum) can be made into foil only a few atoms thickSuch extremely thin foil is called leafLeaf tears very easily and must be picked up with special brushesAluminum is one of the metals that you may compare through chemistry tests and on the periodic tableComparing V with Al or Vanadium with Aluminum, you will notice that V withstands ocean salt tooAluminum foil is only one use for aluminum, it is selected because it is cheaper to use and more available than some other metals.
