Cork composites degradation - exposure to ultraviolet

Cork is a natural raw material with unique properties. It is characterized by its low density, elasticity, compressibility, impermeability, and is also an excellent thermal and acoustic insulator as well as a fire-retardant material, highly resistant to abrasion. Additionally, it has a remarkable environmental footprint since it is completely biodegradable, renewable, and recyclable. Therefore, this versatile material and its composites have many different applications, including flooring, wall coverings and building facades, among many others where this material faces possible degradation caused by exposure to environmental conditions. To the authors best knowledge, the effects of this exposure on cork composites properties were never addressed. Thus, in order to determine theses effects on cork’s mechanical properties, thermal properties and aesthetics, cork composites were subjected to accelerated ageing by exposure to ultraviolet radiation simulating natural weather conditions, followed by mechanical and thermal testing, as well as scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show how prolongated exposure to ultraviolet radiation degrade cork composites, including its aesthetics, as well as its impact on the mechanical behavior and thermal properties.