Cork is the bark of the Cork oak (Quercus suber l.). Is a 100% natural raw material, with properties that make it unique, is a raw material fairly light, more than 50% of its volume is air.
Is impervious to liquids and gases, elastic and compressible, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, slow combustion and very resistant to friction.
Chemical composition of Cork:
- Suberin (45%) - main component of the cell walls, responsible for the elasticity of the cork;
- Lignin (27%) - insulating compound;
- Polysaccharides (12%) - components of the cell walls that help define the texture of the cork;
- Tannins (6%) - polyphenolic compounds responsible for the colour;
- Seroids (5%) - hydrophobic compounds that guarantee the impermeability of the cork.
The production of cork does not destroy trees. After dehulling, the cork tree performs a self-regeneration process that has never been seen in any other forest species. It is for all these reasons that make Cork so special.