The Influence of Cork and Manufacturing Parameters on the Properties of Cork–Rubber Composites for Vibration Isolation Applications

Helena Lopes, Susana P. Silva, João Paulo Carvalho and José Machado
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Helena Lopes: MEtRICs Research Center, Campus of Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Susana P. Silva: Innovation Department, Amorim Cork Composites, Rua Comendador Américo Ferreira Amorim, 260, 4535-186 Mozelos, Portugal
João Paulo Carvalho: Innovation Department, Amorim Cork Composites, Rua Comendador Américo Ferreira Amorim, 260, 4535-186 Mozelos, Portugal
José Machado: MEtRICs Research Center, Campus of Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: The addition of cork to a natural rubber compound and the vulcanization parameters were studied in terms of their influence on the properties of cork–rubber materials. The characterization of different compounds was carried out and included in the determination of mechanical properties related to the application of cork–rubber composites as vibration isolation pads, such as static and dynamic behavior under compressive loading. Statistical methods, such as ANOVA and regression analysis, were used in this study. The results showed that the introduction of cork as an additional filler in the studied rubber compound increased its hardness and static stiffness, while maintaining a similar dynamic behavior to the base rubber compound when subjected to compressive loading. In addition, it was found that increasing the amount and granulometry of cork and lower vulcanization temperatures resulted in stiffer vulcanizates. Materials with higher cork granule contents were found to be affected in their final properties by molding pressure. A study involving the use of linear regression models as a tool to predict or optimize properties related to vibration isolation applications was also developed.

Keywords: cork–rubber composites; vulcanization; mechanical properties; statistical analysis; vibration isolation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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