Hydrophilic aluminum foil is made from 8011 aluminum alloy as the base material. It is a functional foil produced through cold rolling, surface cleaning, hydrophilic coating, and high-temperature curing. Common tempers include H16, H22, and H24, and typical colors are blue or gold.
8011 hydrophilic aluminum foil is a deep-processed product with a special hydrophilic coating applied to the surface of 8011 alloy foil. It is mainly used as fin material for heat exchangers such as evaporators and condensers in air conditioners and refrigerators.
Its core function is to allow condensed water to spread quickly into a film through the hydrophilic coating, preventing water bridges from blocking the gaps between fins, thereby improving heat exchange efficiency. Compared with plain foil, hydrophilic aluminum foil is a key material for enhancing air conditioner efficiency and extending equipment lifespan.
Specifications of Hydrophilic Aluminum Foil
| Alloy | 8011 |
| Thickness range | 0.08 mm – 0.5 mm |
| Width range | 200 mm – 1600 mm |
| Tensile strength | 115 – 160 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥12% – ≥15% |
| Coating weight | 1.0 – 6.0 g/m² double side |
| Hydrophilicity | contact angle ≤20° initial |
| Corrosion resistance | neutral salt spray test ≥500 hours |
| MOQ | 1-3 tons |
Performance Advantages of 8011 Hydrophilic Aluminum Foil
Compared with plain aluminum foil, 8011 hydrophilic aluminum foil offers the following advantages:
1.Improved heat transfer efficiency
The hydrophilic coating allows condensed water to spread into a uniform film, preventing droplet blockage between fins. Heat exchange efficiency can be improved by about 5%, reducing energy consumption.
2.Excellent corrosion resistance
The coating isolates the aluminum substrate from air and moisture, providing much better corrosion resistance than plain foil. Standard products can pass 500-hour salt spray tests, while high-performance versions can reach 2000 hours, suitable for coastal and industrial environments.
3.Multi-functional coatings available
In addition to hydrophilic properties, coatings can also provide antibacterial and anti-mold functions, preventing odor and improving air quality.
4.Good processing performance
The coating provides lubrication during high-speed fin stamping, reducing mold wear and ensuring better forming quality.
5.Reduced operating noise
By eliminating water bridges and large droplets, airflow noise between fins during operation is reduced.
Applications of 8011 Hydrophilic Coated Aluminum Foil
Manufacturing Process of Hydrophilic Aluminum Foil
The production process is similar to standard aluminum foil, with three additional steps:
1. Cleaning
After rolling and annealing, the aluminum foil is cleaned to remove oil, impurities, and contaminants, ensuring a clean surface.
2. Hydrophilic coating application
A hydrophilic layer is applied using chemical or advanced coating methods to improve surface wettability and heat transfer.
3. Drying and curing
The coated foil is dried and cured under controlled temperature and humidity to ensure strong adhesion and durability.
After these steps, the foil is rewound, similar to standard foil production.
Other Application Fields
Besides HVAC applications, 8011 aluminum foil is widely used in:
Food packaging
Used for containers, lids, and dairy sealing materials due to excellent barrier properties.Pharmaceutical packaging
Applied in blister packaging and bottle sealing to ensure product stability.Industrial applications
Used in cable shielding, aluminum foil tapes, and electromagnetic shielding materials.
Comparison with 3003 and Pure Aluminum Foil
| Property | 8011 Hydrophilic Foil | 3003 Aluminum Foil | 1100/1060 Pure Aluminum |
| Alloy System | 8xxx Al-Fe-Si | 3xxx Al-Mn | 1xxx Pure Aluminum |
| Key Advantage | Strong coating adhesion, low pinholes | Higher strength, good corrosion resistance | Excellent conductivity and ductility |
| Strength | Medium high 115 to 160 MPa | Higher than 1100 by about 10% | Lower 90 to 130 MPa |
| Applications | HVAC fins, pharma, food packaging | Electronics, honeycomb core, containers | Cable, decoration, labels |
| Coating Performance | Excellent | Good but higher cost | Average |
| Cost | Medium | Higher | Lower |
FAQ
1. What is the difference between 8011 hydrophilic aluminum foil and plain foil
Hydrophilic foil has a special coating that spreads water evenly, improving heat transfer, while plain foil forms droplets and reduces efficiency.
2. Why are hydrophilic foils blue or gold
Colors come from different coating types and help distinguish product performance or branding, without affecting basic functionality.
3. How to choose the thickness of 8011 hydrophilic aluminum foil
Typical thickness for AC fins is 0.08 mm to 0.15 mm. Selection depends on heat exchanger design.
4. Is customization available
Yes, customization typically includes:
Thickness and width
Coating type blue gold or transparent
Coil size and packaging
Surface performance such as contact angle and corrosion resistance