A synthetic cork compound includes a methyl vinyl silicone polymer with a microsphere agent such as soda lime borosilicate in an amount of approximately 5 to 50 weight percent. The microsphere agent gives the compound a low density. The methyl vinyl silicone polymer preferably includes polydimethylvinylsiloxane polymer from about 20 to 60 weight percent and fumed silica from about 20 to 60 weight percent. Preferably, the compound is catalyzed using chloro-platanic acid from about 0.1 to 5 percent. Additional components of the compound include toasted oak dust from about 0.1 to 25 weight percent, a pigment from about 0.1 to 5 weight percent, silicon hydride from about 0.1 to 25 weight percent, and ethynl cyclohexanol from about 0.05 to 5 weight percent. |