Is cork a bad sandwich material.

I have some cork that was used for flooring so it has a great compression. Its at least equivalent to my 18 pound sign foam with the thumbnail test. Heavier by a little though. But cheaper by a factor or 10.

Has anyone tried using this?

 

cork is used as a core and is available especially for this use through various suppliers. I'd be wary of flooring cork as its intent is for flooring not structural. But if you have a non importnat application then give it a try. Peter S

 

On further review, this cork is as heavy as soft pine and not as strong so clearly its not the best choice. I was thinking along the lines of a less expensive alternative to balsa and weight should have been at least a secondary concern.

 

Sheathing peel strength would be suspect on cork and the weight issue, makes other materials more attractive.

 

check out the shear strength as well.

 

I realized that it was not as good out loud as it was in my head. Ideas can certainly be like that. :idea:

 

Cork Sandwich ?

I tested a Ham and cheese on toasted cork sandwich yesterday. The cork got wedged between my teeth as I compressed and sheared thru it . I Had to pick cork bits out piece by piece with my Swiss army knife.

Better to go with a Baguette. Baguettes are tasty in both shear and compression .

 

a very good answer !!
If cork was suitable for a core dont you think some one would have used it by now ?? look at the structure it has no crain !! as a sound proof material we stuck down 9mm of sheet cork in concrete sub floor to deaden sound of wooden floors in aparment buildings . it works well in wine bottles ,works well in womens high heels shoes ,
But wont work for a core material with glass each side .wake up and smelll the flowers what you been smoking ??

 

www.corecomposites.com

Heres a company that sells cork for use as a composite core. Cheers Peter S

 

Its the same company that someone else asked about a couple or more years back and my answer is still the same and will not change !
Like i said if it was all they say it is there be cork being used every where !!
I wouldnt even use it with infusion !!
What about cornies or wheat bix break fast cereals . now fruit loops could add a bit of colour !! :idea:

 

A good link for builders is Materia. Its a data base of material, use and source.

Type in cork or foam core marine plywood and presto Bellotti appears....

http://www.materia.nl/541.0.html

 

Even the CoreCork, supplier doesn't recommend cork for infusion or other higher load situations. Once you ask for about 12 ft/lb compressive strength, you need to look at other materials.

 

Whats next ???

What about peanut board !!! its won the new material of the year award !! its would make a nice core !! when you sitting on a desert island after being washed ashore you could tear the core out of you boat and light a fire to keep warm !

 

I'll bet it has better physical properties than cork . . .

 

I forgot to eat my baguette and is now 6 days old. It certainly has improved on its shear. I need a saw to cut it.