It's like aluminum foil is wearing a heat-resistant cloak, deflecting all the heat and keeping itself cool and comfy. But what's even more surprising is that aluminum is also a great electrical conductor, which is why it's often used in electrical wiring and electronics. It's like the ultimate multitasker of the metal world.
Now, you might be thinking, "But what about when I wrap aluminum foil around a hot baked potato and it gets all crinkly and soft?" Well, that's because the heat from the potato is causing the aluminum to oxidize, or react with the air, which makes it weaken and lose its shape. But even then, the aluminum foil isn't actually getting hot, it's just getting a little tired from all the heat stress.
Why Does Aluminum Foil Not Get Hot In The Oven at Virginia Ertel blog
The history of aluminum foil is also pretty fascinating, dating back to the early 20th century when it was first used for packaging and cooking. And, fun fact, the first aluminum foil was actually made by hammering and rolling aluminum ingots into thin sheets, which is why it was so expensive and exclusive back in the day.
