Propiedades

MUNDO CORCHO

El corcho posee unas cualidades únicas e inigualables
que hasta ahora nadie ha podido imitar:

• LIGHTNESS: cork has a low density since 88% of its volume is air.
• ELASTICITY: cork can be compressed to almost half its length without losing any flexibility, and returns to its original shape and volume once the pressure is released.
• HIGH COEFFICIENT OF FRICTION: the surface of the cork is covered by micro-suction cups, allowing for great adherence and making it difficult to slide.
• IMPERMEABILITY: the diffusion of liquids and gases through the cork is very difficult, thanks to the suberin and the ceroids present in the walls of its cells, making cork practically resistant to liquids and gases. Its resistance to humidity allows it to age without deteriorating.
• GREAT CALORIFYING POWER: the capacity of cork to generate heat is equivalent to that of charcoal – around 7,000 Kcal/kg.
• EASY TO HANDLE: by boiling cork, it becomes softer and more elastic, facilitating industrial (mainly cutting) processes.
• LOW WATER CONTENT: the equilibrium humidity of cork with the environment does not exceed 9% of its weight. It is normally 6%. Such a low amount of humidity makes the proliferation of microorganisms impossible.
• THERMAL INSULATION: the natural function of cork is to protect the living parts of the tree that generates it. Its alveolar structure (which prevents air from circulating), the low water content and the lack of conductivity of its compounds allow it to effectively fulfill its insulating function. It can also resist heat 30x higher than that of concrete.