Where Is Gypsum Used? Fields and Applications of Gypsum.

This article discusses a material with unique characteristics that is indispensable in many fields and areas of human life. Gypsum is a natural binding substance actively used in construction, medicine and architecture.

Gypsum - concept and properties

Gypsum is a white or gray sedimentary mineral, with deposits found all over the world. This mineral is calcium sulfate hydrate and may also contain impurities, as indicated by the gray, brown or yellowish color of gypsum.

Gypsum dissolves in water, has low thermal conductivity, high fire resistance and relatively low strength. It is worth noting that the strength of some types of this substance becomes several times higher when special additives are introduced.

In addition, gypsum dries and hardens quickly. This should be taken into account when working with gypsum mortars.

Types of gypsum

First of all, two varieties of gypsum should be mentioned - selenite and alabaster. Selenite is a strong, translucent variety of gypsum with a characteristic silky luster. It can be found in different colors - from white to red. Alabaster is obtained by mechanical processing of gypsum stone and subsequent firing of the resulting powder.

It is important to know that alabaster and gypsum are not the same thing. Alabaster is used only in construction, because it dries and hardens quickly, while gypsum is used in various other fields.

There are other types of gypsum as well - polymer, molding (sculptural), acrylic and polyurethane gypsum.

Use of construction gypsum

Gypsum (gypsum alabaster) is very popular in construction. It is used in finishing and plastering works, and partition boards and gypsum parts are made from it.

There are 12 different grades of construction gypsum with different strength and setting times. The beginning of gypsum setting is a very important indicator, because the required work must be completed before the gypsum mortar begins to dry and harden. The setting time ranges from 2 to 30 minutes, depending on the grade of construction gypsum. To increase this time, hardening retarders are often added to the mortar. In addition, gypsum can expand during hardening, while other mixtures and mortars can only shrink.

A building material such as drywall is made from gypsum, more precisely from sheets of cardboard and gypsum paste. Drywall has excellent sound-insulating and moisture-absorbing properties. It is used for finishing works, creating partitions, arches, ceilings, shelves, and also for leveling walls and ceilings.

Use of other types of gypsum

High-strength gypsum is also used in construction; it has larger particles and is therefore stronger and not as porous as construction gypsum. This type of gypsum is used in construction processes, for example, for preparing building mixtures and creating partitions. In addition, high-strength gypsum is used to make molds for manufacturing porcelain and faience sanitary products.

High-strength gypsum, like polymer gypsum, is used in medicine. In traumatology, bandages made from these types of gypsum are used, and in dentistry - impressions and removable dentures.

Molding gypsum is strong and white because special impurities are added to it. Due to its properties, it is used to create sculptures, figurines, souvenirs and as a raw material for producing dry putty mixtures.

Acrylic gypsum is lighter than other types because it is produced from acrylic resin. It is used to create stucco molding and for other decorative purposes. Since this type has high frost resistance, it is used for finishing facades.

Gypsum is a very versatile material used for different purposes. It is difficult to replace because it is accessible and has good properties. These qualities make gypsum a useful and in-demand material.