Ghea Remoroza & Audrey Yap
Water Test
My Objectives
This experimental overview delves into the water resistance properties of cork, a natural material known for its unique cellular structure. The study aims to assess cork's ability to repel water and resist moisture penetration, a critical factor in determining its suitability for various applications, including construction and product design.
The research utilizes controlled tests to measure cork's water absorption rates through conditions like immersion durations. The goal is to understand the extent to which cork can withstand water exposure and to identify potential applications where its water-resistant properties could be advantageous.
One key focus of the study is to investigate the impact of cork's natural hydrophobic characteristics on its water resistance. The hypothesis posits that the composition of cork, including its waxy suberin layer, contributes to its ability to repel water, making it a potentially valuable material in environments where moisture resistance is crucial.
Practical considerations are also addressed, including the durability of cork in wet conditions, its potential for use in outdoor settings, and its adaptability to different climates. The findings from this research aim to provide insights into the development of water-resistant and moisture-resistant solutions that align with the increasing demand for sustainable and resilient materials in various industries.
By exploring cork's water resistance this overview contributes to the understanding of cork as a versatile and environmentally friendly material. The results may have implications for industries seeking sustainable alternatives with inherent resistance to water, expanding the potential applications of cork in diverse fields.
Methodology
Test 1 - Submerge 2 varying sizes of cork 5x5 and 10x10
for 10 minutes
Test 2 - Submerge 2 varying sizes of cork 5x5 and 10x10
for 30 minutes
Test 3 - Submerge 2 varying sizes of cork 5x5 and 10x10
for 1 hour
Test 4 - Submerge 2 varying sizes of cork 5x5 and 10x10
for 24 hours
Test 5 - Submerge 2 varying sizes of cork 5x5 and 10x10
for 48 hours
Test 6 - Submerge 2 varying sizes of cork 5x5 and 10x10
for 72 hours
Results
We can see that over the duration of a few days, the cork has deteriorated quite a bit from its previous state, becoming more porous in the process. There is massive discolouration the longer the cork was submerged under water. Which shows that cork, although has water resistant properties, is not meant to be submerged under water for long periods of time.
As such, its still susceptible to rot as it is still forms a part of a plant.
To further this experiment, we may need to conduct an experiment to investigate how the cork will bode under occasional spraying of water as well as using smaller water molecules such as humidity in the air to see how cork would do in certain humid climates.
