Cork

Abstract

Cork is the bark of the cork oak. It is a light, elastic material that is practically impermeable to liquid and gas, as well as being a thermal and electrical insulator. It also absorbs sound and vibrations and practically impossible to rot. Cork is composed of layers of cells, whose membranes have a certain amount of impermeability and are full of a gas similar to air. When cork is compressed, its cells bend and fold (practically no lateral expansion) and later recover. Cork is also a material that dissipates deformation energy. It has low thermal conductivity and is also remarkably stable and has good fire resistance. The most common cork products for civil construction are: insulators against noise, heat and vibration (walls, ceilings, flooring); false ceilings; coverings for walls, floors and ceilings; skirting boards; linoleums; granulated cork as filler and mixtures for mortar; insulating joints and expansion or compression joints; and anti-vibration devices for machinery and insulation for industrial refrigeration systems. Cork products are also very important from an ecological standpoint, because cork is a renewable product, used in long-life products, helping to boost CO₂ sequestration.