In the industrial arena, materials such as cork, rubber and plastic shine thanks to their outstanding properties and wide applications. Choose natural cork for a sustainable life. Learn about the importance of using cork products from the IGUANA store as an environmentally friendly alternative to rubber and plastic, but you must first know the difference between products made of natural cork and products made of rubber or plastic.
Plastic has unparalleled versatility and can be easily shaped to fit any design, making it a substrate in everything from packaging to electronic devices.
Quality plays a pivotal role in determining the effectiveness and durability of these materials, as high-quality products not only provide outstanding performance and a longer lifespan, but also contribute to protecting public health.
Using materials that do not meet quality standards can lead to serious health problems, from chemical poisoning to allergies and other diseases, so adherence to quality standards does not only represent a moral responsibility, but rather an investment in public health and the environment, in companies that put quality at the core of their operations. Demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility, earning the trust of customers and society at large.
What are the properties of natural cork?
To determine the difference between products made of natural cork and products made of rubber or plastic, you must know that natural cork is a natural material extracted from the bark of the cork tree, and is characterized by many distinctive properties, including:
1- Light weight: Natural cork is one of the lightest materials used in many industries. It has a low density ranging between 100-200 kg/cubic meter.
2- Thermal and sound insulation: Natural cork is characterized by its ability to provide good thermal and sound insulation, which makes it an ideal material for use in thermal and sound insulation of buildings and electronic devices.
3- Moisture resistance: Natural cork is resistant to water and moisture, making it suitable for use in insulation and packaging applications in humid environments.
4- Flexibility and resistance to breakage: Natural cork is a flexible and break-resistant material, allowing it to be easily formed, cut and modified to suit the desired application.
5- Fire resistance: The difference between products made of natural cork and products made of rubber or plastic highlights the ability of natural cork to resist fire, as it ignites with difficulty and extinguishes quickly when the flame source is removed.
6- Environmentally friendly: Natural cork is a natural, renewable and biodegradable material, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable option.
7- Resistance to chemicals: Natural cork has good resistance to chemicals and solvents, making it suitable for use in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
What is the difference between rubber and plastic?
Rubber and plastic are used in many different applications, but they each have different properties. Here is a comparison between the properties of rubber and plastic:
1- Resistance: Rubber is characterized by its high flexibility, which allows it to bend and stretch without the slightest deformation, while plastic is less flexible and able to stretch.
2- Corrosion resistance: Plastic is stronger and more rigid, which makes it more resistant to corrosion compared to rubber.
3- Electrical insulation: Rubber has a high ability to insulate electricity, and thus it is an ideal material for use in electrical insulation. Plastic also has good electrical insulation ability, but it depends on the type of plastic used.
The importance of using natural cork as an alternative to plastic and rubber
Cork is used as an alternative material to plastic and rubber; It carries multiple environmental benefits due to its ability to biodegrade. Here are some of the main aspects of this use:
1- Regeneration: Cork is a renewable resource that is harvested from tree bark without damaging it, allowing it to grow again.
2- Reducing waste: Since cork is biodegradable and recyclable, it contributes to reducing the amount of waste compared to plastic, which takes longer to decompose.
3- Insulation: Cork has excellent thermal and sound insulation properties, making it ideal for use in construction.
4- Moisture resistance: Due to its resistance to moisture and mold, cork is an ideal choice in damp places.
The use of cork contributes to reducing dependence on petrochemicals, which reduces the environmental impact of the plastic and rubber industries, and this explains the difference between products made from natural cork and products made from rubber or plastic.
The effects of the use of rubber and plastic on public health
Plastic:
Plastic contains toxic substances, such as bisphenol A and lead, and pollution caused by plastic causes environmental and health problems; They can leak and affect living organisms, and heavy substances such as lead and mercury can transfer into food and water, posing a health risk. This highlights the difference between products made of natural cork and products made of rubber or plastic.
Rubber:
Rubber contains toxic chemicals, such as phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and its waste contributes to the contamination of soil and groundwater with toxic substances. It is necessary to reduce the use of unnecessary plastics and rubber, promote recycling, and use alternative materials that are safer for the environment to reduce these harmful effects.
The most prominent uses of natural cork in manufacturing products
Natural cork is used in the manufacture of a variety of products. Here are its most prominent uses that explain the difference between products made of natural cork and products made of rubber or plastic:
1- Due to its buoyancy, cork is used in making buoys and fishing equipment.
2- Mix cork with linseed oil and use it to manufacture linoleum.
3- It is used to decorate the walls, ceilings and floors of houses, due to its aesthetic appearance and insulating properties.
4- It is mixed with rubber to produce synthetic cork used in the electrical and automobile industries.
5- It is used in the manufacture of sports equipment, such as: baseball balls, billiard sticks, and badminton balls.
Comparison between the uses of rubber and plastic
Rubber and plastic are materials widely used in manufacturing products, but each has advantages and disadvantages that differ from the other.
Rubber:
1- It is widely used in the manufacture of tires and seals due to its high flexibility.
2- It is used in industrial components for its water resistance and durability.
Plastic:
1- It is widely used in packaging and kitchenware manufacturing for its ease of shaping.
2- It is used in construction and various industries due to its versatility and ease of manufacture.
Determining the difference between products made of natural cork and products made of rubber or plastic depends on choosing the appropriate material and the required properties.
Study of the health effects of cork versus rubber and plastic
Studying the health impacts of cork versus rubber and plastic requires consideration of several aspects, including the environmental and health sustainability of each material. Here are some key points:
1- Cork: It is a natural and safe material, and it does not emit harmful chemicals during daily use.
2- Rubber: Natural rubber is relatively safe, but synthetic rubber may emit harmful substances when burned.
3- Plastic: It is considered a major pollutant and leads to health problems when it decomposes and releases substances such as Bisphenol A. Microplastic particles pose a threat to public health: when they enter the food chain, leading to long-term health effects, natural cork is safer for health and the environment compared to rubber. And plastic, preferably used as a sustainable alternative to reduce the negative effects of industrial materials.
We emphasize that the use of natural cork is a vital step towards enhancing public health and protecting our environment for future generations. To find out which product is suitable for your uses, you can contact us now to obtain our services.