Cork (material)
Cork (material)
Cork (/kɔːrk/; from the Latin cortex, meaning "bark") is a buoyant, light brown natural substance, obtained from the outer layer of the bark of the Cork Oak tree (Quercus suber).
Etymology
The word "cork" comes from the Old English cork, which was borrowed from the Latin cortex, meaning "bark". The Latin word itself was borrowed from the Greek κόρκος (kórkos), which referred to the cork oak tree.
Properties
Cork is composed of suberin, a hydrophobic substance, and because of its impermeable, buoyant, elastic, and fire retardant properties, it is used in a variety of products, the most common of which is for wine bottle stoppers.
Production
The production of cork involves the harvesting of the bark of the cork oak tree. The tree must be at least 25 years old before its bark can be harvested; after that, the bark can be harvested every 9 to 12 years.
Uses
Cork's unique properties make it suitable for a wide range of uses. It is used in a variety of products, including wine bottle stoppers, bulletin boards, insulation material, and flooring.
Environmental Impact
Cork production is generally considered sustainable because the cork tree is not cut down to obtain cork; instead, only the bark is stripped to harvest the cork. The tree continues to live and grow.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cork (material)
- Wikipedia's article - Cork (material)
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