Tuesday, 02 February 2010 00:00
Reuters reports that cork is being used to build lightweight parts for aircraft. Plane parts designed and molded by DynAero in the Alentejo to build its ultra light two- and four-seat planes instead of plastic A prototype cork plane should be ready this year. The idea is to replace light plastic PVC with cork composite in the fuselage, wings and flaps of light plane, where it is coated with carbon fiber. the cork-carbon combination is not only light but possesses fire retardant properties. Shredded cork is already used in the thermal protection coating on the Space Shuttle's external fuel tank. Cork is harvested every nine years without damaging the trees, making the cork industry one of the world's greenest and sustainable.
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Portugal National Tourist Office