Known for their use in sealing wine bottles, cork materials make relatively cheap and effective seals, with good oil resistance properties. Due to these properties, cork gaskets are typically used in: sumps, crank case covers, inspection doors, valve covers, electrical transformer gaskets, general cover and lids, electrical switchgear and for anti-vibration purposes. These gaskets are also often used in the automative industry for carburettors, fuel and oil pumps, thermostats and gearboxes. They are ideal for use on irregular surfaces or with uneven bolt loading.
As a general rule, cork:
• Has good oil resistance
• Has good solvent resistance
• Is relatively cheap
• Seals well at low flange pressures
• Seals well at temperatures of up to 120°C
• Is good for use with petrol
• Is good for use with bolt loading flanges
• Is good for use with poor quality flanges
