What is PTP Pharmaceutical Aluminum Foil?
PTP pharmaceutical aluminum foil, also known as Press Through Package (PTP) foil, is a high-performance material specially designed for blister packaging of pharmaceutical products. It provides an effective barrier against oxygen, moisture, light, and contaminants, helping to extend the shelf life of medications and prevent degradation or loss of efficacy.
This packaging is commonly used for tablets and capsules in daily life. One side of the blister pack is made of plastic (such as PVC, PVC/PVDC, or OPA/AL/PVC), while the other side is PTP hard aluminum foil. Consumers can easily press the foil to push out the tablet or capsule, providing convenience and hygiene.
Why Use Hard Aluminum Foil for PTP Pharmaceutical Packaging?
PTP aluminum foil typically uses 8011 or 8021 aluminum alloys, commonly in the H18 temper. This provides higher mechanical strength, rigidity, and impact stability, meeting strict requirements for sealing, punching, and safety in pharmaceutical blister packaging.
The advantages of hard aluminum foil include:
1. High strength and rigidity:
The dense, hard structure ensures that the foil does not tear or deform. Patients can easily push tablets or capsules through the foil without excessive stretching or sticking.
2. Excellent barrier properties:
It effectively blocks air, moisture, light, and odors, providing comprehensive protection for the medication and maintaining its efficacy and shelf life.
3. Good printability:
The smooth surface allows for high-quality color printing of drug names, batch numbers, expiration dates, manufacturer information, and anti-counterfeit patterns.
4. Corrosion resistance:
The foil can withstand interaction with most pharmaceutical components and environmental factors.
5. Safety and non-toxicity:
Pharmaceutical hard aluminum foil meets national pharmacopoeia and international standards (e.g., YBB, FDA, EU). Its chemical composition is safe and non-toxic, ensuring that the foil does not react with medications.
Common Alloys and Temper States for PTP Hard Aluminum Foil
PTP pharmaceutical aluminum foil typically uses 8011, 8021, or 8079 alloys, all part of the Al-Fe-Si series, known for excellent tensile strength and chemical stability.
| Alloy | Temper | Thickness (mm) | Features & Applications |
| 8011 | H18 (hard) | 0.02-0.07 | High strength, excellent printability and sealing performance |
| 8021 | O / H18 | 0.02 – 0.065 | High barrier, good ductility, suitable for double-layer blister packs |
| 8079 | H18 | 0.018-0.05 | Flexible, excellent tensile properties, suitable for high-speed packaging lines |
Among these, 8011-H18 hard aluminum foil is the mainstream choice. Its high hardness, low elongation, and clean surface make it ideal for pharmaceutical punching and sealing requirements.
Performance Parameters of PTP Hard Aluminum Foil
| Thickness tolerance | ±4% |
| Tensile strength | ≥130 MPa |
| Elongation | ≤2% |
| Pinholes | ≤0.1 pcs/m² |
| Water vapor transmission rate | <0.01 g/m²·24h |
| Heat-seal strength | ≥6 N/15mm |
| Surface cleanliness | Free of oil spots or black marks |
Advantages of PTP Pharmaceutical Hard Aluminum Foil
Superior barrier protection
Hard PTP foil effectively prevents light, moisture, and oxygen from affecting the medication, maintaining stability during storage. It is especially suitable for hygroscopic drugs such as antibiotics, vitamins, tablets, and capsules.Safe and environmentally friendly
PTP foil uses a non-toxic coating system, compliant with food and pharmaceutical contact standards. It is also recyclable, aligning with green and sustainable practices.Excellent printability and aesthetics
Using gravure printing or coating techniques, multi-color prints can be applied to the foil surface, enhancing brand recognition and packaging aesthetics.Stable processing performance
Hard aluminum foil resists damage or curling during high-speed punching and heat sealing, compatible with various pharmaceutical packaging equipment, including blister machines, sealing machines, and cutting machines.