“Due to the existence of a strong interest in the market in using sustainable materials, cork plays a prominent role due to its various characteristics, but which, until now, could not be used in the automotive sector, as it is a material that discolours quickly under exposure of sunlight”, highlights FEUP.

In a statement, the college clarifies that the process created by researcher Rita Almeida stabilises the natural characteristics of cork, ensuring that it does not lose its colour and improves its performance in terms of protection against ultraviolet radiation and thermal aging.

“This technology provides solar protection to cork through its pigmentation with hematite nanoparticles”, states FEUP, adding that the solution has already been patented.

The master's thesis was carried out in a business environment at TMG Automotive, in Famalicão, with the research resulting in “a sharing and exploitation agreement for the patenting of the developed solution”.

“Technology and quality must go hand in hand, which is why there is a huge interest in improving and adapting the quality of its products, investing heavily in the research and development of new materials and techniques”, states, quoted in the statement, Rita Almeida, referring to the company.

The master's thesis was supervised by Adélio Mendes, Full Professor of Chemical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto.