CORK COMPOSITION Cork is composed of dead cells that builds up over time on the outer surface of a cork oak tree. Cork has a honey-like structure and consists of empty space; its density (weight per unit volume) is onefourth that of water. Cork consists of irregularly shaped and spaced cells having an average of 14 sides. The large amount of dead-air space makes cork an effective insulation material for both temperature and noise. Furthermore, it is fire retardant; flames will only char the surface, and no toxic fumes are generated. Cutting the surface of cork turns many of the microscopic cells into tiny suction cups, creating an effective non-slip surface. In addition to being flexible, cork is highly resilient. After being crushed under a pressure of 14,000 lbs/in 2 (96,000 kPa), cork will regain 90% of its original size in 24 hours. Cork absorbs neither dust nor moisture, and it resists both rot and insects. Highly resistant to wear, it is used for polishing diamonds.
PROPERTIES • • • • • • • •
Low Density Temperature Insulation Noise Insulation Fire Retardant Flexible Highly Resilient Light Weight Recyclable
APPLICATION Cork can be used to make many products such as flooring materials (e.g., linoleum), shoe insoles, roofing panels, gaskets, safety helmet liners, bottle stoppers, dartboards, bulletin boards, and cores for golf balls and baseballs. Numerous artificial materials have been developed to substitute for cork in specific applications (e.g., a synthetic pea in a referee's whistle, foam insoles for shoes, or Styrofoam life preservers). However, no general substitute has been developed for cork that can be used in diverse applications.
KEY HOLDER Cork has a challenging material to work with. It can’t be formed in room temperature. It was a very tough material to work with. Although it could be sliced into various shapes. The thinner sliced it was the easier it became to deform it. The material is also very light. Connecting cork pieces with wire, I have created a key holder which can stand alone or be nailed to the wall. The key holder can hold various sizes of keys. The rough shapes were deliberately cut to look like tree bark.
SINQOBILE DAKILE INDUSTRIAL & INTERIOR MASTERS I FLORENCE DESIGN ACADEMY