Cork/Rubber
Where are the cork/rubber products manufactured?
Our cork/rubber products are manufactured in the United States by American workers.
How is the cork/rubber produced?
Composition cork consists of binder that is typically the natural resins in cork or other special polymeric binders. These binders coat each particle of cork and are joined together under pressure to form a solid mass. This may be either in block form that is then cut into sheet material or in log form to produce continuous rolls of product.
Cork/rubber production involves the introduction of rubber into the cork composition. This can also be molded into blocks for sheeting or pressed into continuous roll forms.
What is cork?
Cork is the bark of a tree from a particular type of oak tree that only grows in the mediterranean region of the world. The bark is able to be harvested from the trees every nine years and will then regenerate to be harvested again. The first and primary use of cork is for wine stoppers. The stoppers are punched out of strips of bark and the remaining cork is ground up into granules which is then used in a wide variety of industrial applications.
What is SBR?
SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) is the most widely used type of synthetic rubber. Its manufacturing involves copolymerization of three parts butadiene with one part styrene. Perhaps the most widely used application is tires.
What are the typical binders used in cork/rubber?
Nitrile and neoprene are the most common binders used in cork/rubber production.
What is the difference between nitrile and neoprene?
Nitrile and neoprene are rubbers that exhibit similar properties, but with differing characteristics that make them useful for different applications. Nitrile is particularly resistant to chemicals, abrasion, and temperatures, while neoprene is valued for its weather resistance and durability.
In what sizes and thickness are offered?
• 42” in stock, 36” and 48” on request rolls from 1/32” up to 1/4”
• 36” x 36” in stock and 28” x 50” on request sheets from 1/32” up to 1/2”
Standard Tolerances: +/- .010<, Width + ¾<-0<
What are some typical applications for cork/rubber products?
- Composition Cork and Cork/Rubber
- Gaskets and die cut parts
- Expansion joints
- Heat insulation
- Underlayment
- Bulletin boards
- Radiator baffles and splash shields
- Fuel tank pads
- Suspension mounts and bumpers
- Leisure equipment accessories
- Sound and vibration absorption
- Electrical boots
- Truck bed mats
- Trailer matting
- Anti-fatigue matting
- Non-skid surfaces
- Mud flaps
- Industrial seals
- Steam applications
- •Absorbers and insulators
- Plumbing seals
- Fluid sealing applications
- High bolting pressure
Aerospace Grade Cork/Phenolic Blend
How is ABL5 produced?
ABL5 is a composition cork blend with phenolic resin and a special polymeric binder. The binder and phenolic resin coat each particle of cork and are joined together under pressure to form a solid mass. This is then formed into block form that is then cut into sheet material.
What is the suggested storage temperature range for the material during the 2 year shelf life? What is the best practice for storage environments/elements? How is the ABL 5 stored between the cure date and production?
The material should be stored below 25ºC / 80ºF.
Is the cardboard and poly bag that the material is shipped with from the factory required to maintain shelf life and prevent contamination during storage?
The poly bag and cardboard box prevent damage or dust contamination; store them in an area that is safe and protected.
Where is the ABL5 manufactured?
ABL5 is made in the United States by American workers.
What is phenolic resin?
Phenolic resin is the resin synthesized from the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst. phenolic resins continue to be used for a wide variety of applications, such as moulding powders, laminating resins, adhesives, binders, surface coatings and impregnants.
In what sizes and thickness are offered?
28” x 50” sheets with thickness from 1/32” up to 1/2”
What are the Standard Tolerances of ABL5?
Standard Tolerances: +/- .010>, Width + ¾>-0>
