Safeguarding Cork’s Beauty and Longevity: Innovations in Deposition of Protective Thin Films

Belgacem Tiss (), Diego Martínez-Martínez, Catalina Mansilla, Joel Borges, Martin Andritschky and Luís Cunha
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Belgacem Tiss: Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Diego Martínez-Martínez: Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Catalina Mansilla: CTECHnano Coatings Technologies S.L., Tolosa Hiribidea 76, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
Joel Borges: Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Martin Andritschky: Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Luís Cunha: Physics Center of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 24, 1-11

Abstract: Cork is a sustainable natural material widely used as a wine stopper. However, some other uses, such as wall coverings, flooring, bags and shoes, face UV damage. To mitigate this issue, we explored the deposition of TiO 2 and ZnO thin films via magnetron sputtering on glass and cork substrates. Both films displayed uniformity and the lack of any discernible cracks or voids, remained transparent in the visible region, and offered UV protection. Thus, TiO 2 and ZnO blocked UV light with a wavelength of up to 310 nm ( E g = 4 eV) and 370 nm ( E g = 3.3 eV), respectively. Exposure tests, under a sun simulator lamp, revealed that the uncoated cork showed noticeable color changes, even when located under a glass substrate. The TiO 2 coating did not prevent cork discoloration, while ZnO prevented it. This study highlights ZnO thin films as a durable solution to safeguard cork materials from UV damage and extend their usability.

Keywords: cork; magnetron sputtering; TiO 2; ZnO; sun simulator; UV protection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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