A research team from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain, completed a study in which the results showed that cork closure control measures could be improved by incorporating infrared spectroscopy techniques. From the spectroscopy information calibration equations are formulated and these allow for the evaluation of various cork properties much faster than with traditional methods. This opens the door towards a more complete control of the products by the manufacturers and the wineries.
The first results were obtained when the composition and dosage of superficial treatments applied to the cork were determined. It was seen that spectroscopy in the medium infrared range (FTIR-ATR) allowed for the homogeneity and properties of the treatment applied to be controlled, hence permitting for an improvement in cork behaviour in some key parameters such as the pull out force.
The second aim of the study was the use of spectroscopy in the near infrared range (NIRS) to determine the geographic origin of the raw materials or the physical, chemical or mechanical cork properties.
Gonzalez-Adrados, J. R., M. C. Garcia-Vallejo, M. J. Caceres-Esteban, J. L. Garcia De Ceca, F. Gonzalez-Hernandez and R. Calvo-Haro (2012). “Control by ATR-FTIR of surface treatment of cork stoppers and its effect on their mechanical performance.” Wood Science and Technology 46(1-3): 349-360.
Prades, C., I. Gómez-Sánchez, J. García-Olmo and J. R. González-Adrados (2012). “Discriminant Analysis of Geographical Origin of Cork Planks and Stoppers by Near Infrared Spectroscopy.” Journal of Wood Chemistry and Technology(32): 54-70.
Prades, C., I. Gómez-Sánchez, J. García-Olmo, F. González-Hernández and J. González-Adrados (2014). “Application of VIS/NIR spectroscopy for estimating chemical, physical and mechanical properties of cork stoppers.” Wood Science and Technology: 1-20.
