How Cork Supports Vibration and Protection Solutions

For over 70 years, PGC has been the trusted partner for customers seeking innovative solutions for their gasket, vibration, and protection needs. Our engineers dedicate themselves to developing cutting-edge applications, including advanced materials that withstand extreme environments like low-orbit satellites and Navy vessels. Yet, it's fascinating that one of the most reliable materials we often employ is cork, a natural and low-tech solution. Widely used across various industries, cork's durability and performance have stood the test of time, making it an asset in countless assemblies.

What’s Special about Cork?

Cork, the tissue layer of bark from the cork oak tree, is a versatile material adaptable to various applications. It's elastic, water-impermeable, and even fire-resistant. Cork can be shaped and mixed with other materials to enhance its sealing, energy control, and durability capabilities, making it a reliable choice for diverse projects.

Because of its elastic nature, cork does not significantly change even when pulled or pressed. This unique property makes cork ideal for applications where a material needs to maintain its shape and integrity under pressure or tension. Consider the last time you opened a bottle of wine—the cork stopper retained its shape after being popped. These characteristics make cork a leading material for sealing, controlling vibration, and protecting equipment.

Cork is not just a material; it's a sustainable choice. Harvesting the bark of a cork oak does not harm the tree; instead, it promotes the tree's growth. This unique harvesting process, where a layer of bark is collected every few years, makes cork one of the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective materials available.

Gasket and Protective Applications for Cork Composite Materials

When combined with other materials, cork is vital in numerous applications. NASA has used cork composites as heat shields in essential missions such as Genesis, Pathfinder, Stardust, and the Mars Exploration Rover. In addition to aerospace, cork's versatility is evident in various vehicular applications, demonstrating its remarkable adaptability and effectiveness in challenging environments.

PGC often combines cork with other materials like nitrile rubber. This combination brings out the best properties of cork and rubber, achieving more than each material could do alone. For instance, cork provides excellent sealing and vibration control, while rubber enhances the material's durability and flexibility. To create this composite, cork particles are mixed with nitrile rubber or other rubber materials, compressed, and processed into sheet form. The resulting cork-rubber composite can be cut into the customer's desired shape like other engineered materials.

Should My Project Use Cork or Cork Composite?

At PGC, we prioritize our customers' unique needs by offering tailored solutions that start with an extensive selection of material options. We recognize that every product is different, so we provide technical guidance to help our customers make the correct decision. Our team of experts will evaluate specific requirements and recommend the most appropriate cork or cork composite materials. We often suggest specialized options for heavy-duty vehicles, fluid handling, and electronics applications. In addition, cork is an affordable and renewable resource, aligning with our customers' goals for cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials.