Tappi sintetici: caratteristiche meccaniche e prestazionali

Aim of the paper is the chemical, physical, and mechanical characterization of the different typology of synthetic corks available on the market by using techniques still rarely applied to these products. On the basis of the performed characterization, a division of the synthetic stoppers into two main categories related to the nature of the thermoplastic elastomer used in the polymeric mixture is proposed. Such division permits to highlight the importance of correctly selecting the thermoplastic elastomer in order to obtain the requested performances. Attention was particularly paid to the mechanical-dynamical tests with the aim to determine the long-term behaviour of synthetic stopper according to the main polymer used.