Reflectivity of ALuminium Foils

  • Thread starter Thread starter RKD89
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Aluminium
AI Thread Summary
Aluminum foil typically has a thermal reflectivity of about 80-88%, making it a viable option for use in solar reflectors, such as parabolic dishes. The reflection spectrum of aluminum varies with wavelength, particularly for thermal wavelengths above 800 nm. It's important to maintain the integrity of the foil, as any crumbling can diminish its specular reflection, turning it from a mirror-like surface to a diffuse one, which scatters light. Despite some issues with crumbling, users have found aluminum foil to be effective for their applications in solar reflectors.
RKD89
Messages
76
Reaction score
1
Can Anyone tell me the exact THERMAL reflectivity if aluminium foils used at home?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Have you tried a google search?
 
Why do you want to know?
 
i am thinking abt using them for a solar reflector ( parabolic dish)
n I Tried googling....wiki says it's abt 80-88%
 
RKD89 said:
i am thinking abt using them for a solar reflector ( parabolic dish)
n I Tried googling....wiki says it's abt 80-88%

That sounds about right. I doubt you can do better better for the cost. What you seem to be looking for is the "reflection spectrum" of aluminium, because the value depends on wavelength. By "thermal", you are practically referring to wavelengths that are greater than 800 nm (near to mid infrared).

The slighest crumble in the foil however will reduce the specular reflection. So if you want to direct the reflected light, you want to reduce crumbling to a minimum. Crumbling of foil turns it from a specular (mirror) reflecting surface to a diffuse (white) reflecting surface.
 
Dr Lots-o'watts said:
That sounds about right. I doubt you can do better better for the cost. What you seem to be looking for is the "reflection spectrum" of aluminium, because the value depends on wavelength. By "thermal", you are practically referring to wavelengths that are greater than 800 nm (near to mid infrared).

The slighest crumble in the foil however will reduce the specular reflection. So if you want to direct the reflected light, you want to reduce crumbling to a minimum. Crumbling of foil turns it from a specular (mirror) reflecting surface to a diffuse (white) reflecting surface.


I have already tried d foil...works quite decent...
Of course the crumbling does result in some scattering...but in all it serves my applicaition
Thanx anyways
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
101
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
10
Views
8K
Back
Top