Natural, versatile and sustainable
Cork is such a perfect raw material that until today no industrial or technological process has managed to match it.
LIGHT
More than 50% of its volume is air, which makes it very light - it weighs only 0.16 grams per cubic centimeter and it floats.
ELASTIC AND COMPRESSIBLE
It is the only solid that, when squeezed on one side, does not increase in volume on the other. And it has an «elastic memory» that allows it to adapt to variations in temperature and pressure. This characteristic is due to the gaseous mixture between each cell, which facilitates its compression to about half of its width and the decompression, returning to its original shape.
IMPERMEABLE TO LIQUIDS AND GASES
Thanks to suberin and ceroids present in the cell walls, cork is impermeable to liquids and gases. Its resistance to humidity allows it to age without deteriorating.
EXCELLENT THERMAL AND ACOUSTIC INSULATION CAPABILITY
Cork has low heat, sound and vibration conductivity. This happens because the gaseous elements it contains are enclosed in small, impermeable compartments and isolated from each other.
SLOW COMBUSTION
Cork is a natural fire retardant: it does not create flames or release toxic gases during combustion.
HIGH RESISTANCE TO FRICTION
The fact that its cells are formed by microscopic gas cushions makes cork very comfortable. More than comfortable, it's healthy, as the ability to absorb shocks relieves pressure on the feet, protecting joints and the spine.
HYPOALLERGENIC
As it does not absorb dust, it contributes to protection against allergies.
SOFT TO THE TOUCH
In sensory terms, it is a product that is soft to the touch, with a very characteristic, non-intrusive, slightly sweet odor. With a natural temperature very close to that of the human body, it conveys a feeling of comfort that is difficult to replicate with any other material.
Source: https://www.amorim.com/a-cortica/caracteristicas/