Cork, the outer bark of the cork oak, is a non-wood forest product used as a natural and renewable material in multiple industrial applications. Porosity is one of the most important parameters in the valorization of cork. Currently, considering the beginning of the value chain, porosity is assessed through visual observation carried out, for example, in a forest producers’ association. In this article, we show how near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can rapidly, objectively, and non-destructively predict cork porosity in the three types of cork that characterize the life of the tree: virgin cork, second-harvest cork, and reproduction cork. This technology therefore shows great potential to facilitate cork classification. 🌳🔬
👉 Available here: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/16/11/1737
