Cork
DATA COLLECTION
history
Cork is a naturally occurring material that has been utilized by humans for over 5000 years. Cork was used for sealing containers, fishing equipment, and domestic purposes around 3000 B.C. by people from China, Egypt, Babylon, and Persia. Cork was also utilized to make footwear in ancient Greece.
A physician from Greece in the second century
AD made the discovery that cork could be used as a treatment for hair loss. Since the beginning of the 17th century, wine bottles have been sealed using cork to keep the wine inside.
What is cork ?
Cork is extracted from the outer layer of an oak tree native to the Mediterranean region. Because it is made of dead cells that cannot be damaged by air or water, there are numerous applications for it.
The bark of the cork oak tree is stripped and processed every 9 to 12 years; this causes no harm to the tree. After harvesting, the cork is boiled and flattened to remove any impurities before being cut into various shapes and sizes for a variety of applications.
Life cycle
does India produce cork ?
There is no cork extraction industry in India. The cork oak, Quercus Suber, is where most of the world's cork comes from. Portugal makes up half of the world's production, followed by Spain (about 25%) and Italy, France, Morocco.
Raw materials are imported from Japan, Korea, Portugal, Spain & Italy, which are renowned for the best quality of virgin raw material for fine processing and production of cork and cork products.
properties
• Lightweight: Cork is lightweight and buoyant, making it ideal for use in fishing floats and life jackets.
• Water-resistant: Cork has a low permeability to liquids, making it resistant to water.
• Elastic: Cork is naturally elastic, which makes it an excellent shock absorber.
• Durable: Cork is a tough, durable material that is resistant to wear and tear.
• Fire-resistant: Cork is naturally fire-resistant, making it a safe choice for use in construction and insulation.
• Insulating: Cork has good thermal and acoustic insulation properties, making it ideal for use in building and home insulation.
• Renewable: Cork is a renewable resource, as the bark can be harvested from the cork oak tree without damaging the tree.
What are the uses of cork ?
1. Cork stopper: is a popular material for wine bottle stoppers because it preserves the flavour of the wine and prevents air from entering the bottle.
2. Flooring: Cork flooring is a well-liked option for homes and commercial buildings because it is strong, environmentally friendly, and provides insulation.
3. Cork boards: are frequently used in homes, offices, and schools as a way to post notes and messages.
4. Cork's thermal and acoustic qualities make it suitable for use as insulation in walls, floors, and roofs.
5. Handbags and shoes: Because cork is lightweight, strong, and water-resistant, it can be used to make handbags, shoes, and other fashion accessories.
6. Fishing Floats: Cork is used as fishing floats and is cut into circular or cylinder shapes. It is a popular material for fishing gear due to its buoyant qualities and resistance to water damage.
7. Sporting Goods: Cricket balls, table tennis balls, and golf tees are among the sporting goods made from cork.
Some DRAWBACK
Negative aspects of cork :
• Comparative to other flooring options, cork flooring can be quite expensive.
• Depending on your geographic location, cork may be difficult to find or only available in limited colors.
• Due to the material's pliability, cork can be difficult to cut and install; you will need specialized equipment and knowledge.
ASSIMILATION
Cork has many industrial and consumer uses:
1. Industrial applications: Cork is utilised as flooring, underlayment, etc. in many industrial machinery to reduce vibration damage. Cork makes industrial gaskets. Cork material outperforms inorganic ones for reinforcing and fillers.
2. Building and architecture: Due to its thermal insulation, fire resistance, anti-vibration, and durability, cork is utilized in roofs, walls, floors, and ceilings. Cork expansion or compression joints dampen vibration in large concrete constructions like dams and tunnels.
3. Aeronautical industry: Shuttle projects employ cork to make heat shields for missiles and spacecraft.
4. Auto industry: Cork is replacing leather in car interiors. Cork makes the steering wheel and gear knob more comfortable and thermally efficient.
5. Textiles: Few garments and home textiles use cork fabric. Cork is brittle and hard to fold and sew. Cork fabric has poor ventilation, making it unsuitable for clothing.
6. Cork has transformed fashion accessories. Cork is ideal for making lightweight, comfy shoes. Cork fibre is used to make handbags, wallets, belts, caps, and travel cases when mixed with other materials. Many sports and leisure product designers use cork.
7. Designers are also incorporating cork in lid handles, doorknobs, crafts, outdoor and indoor furniture, and other things.
CORK as FLOORING
Cork flooring is a type of flooring made from the bark of cork oak trees. It is often used in homes and offices because it is durable, comfortable to walk on, good for the environment, and easy to clean. Cork flooring is also a good insulator, which helps keep a room at a comfortable temperature and save money on energy costs. Cork flooring also comes in many colors and patterns, making it a good choice for any style of interior design. Overall, cork flooring is a good choice for indoor spaces because it is durable, comfortable, and easy to clean.
ANALISYS
INSIGHT
Cork is a special type of material that comes from trees. It is being looked at as a good material for the future because it is light, strong, keeps things warm or cool, and is good for the environment because it can grow back and is not bad for the planet. People are finding new ways to use, which is a good sign for the future.
Thank you
