Gypsum powder or AKA Plaster of Paris is a type of plaster that can be used in architecture, art, fireproofing, and medical applications. When someone talks of “plaster,” they are often thinking specifically of plaster of Paris, although there are a number of different types of plaster on the market including lime plaster and cement plaster. Many art and construction supply stores sell plaster of Paris. You dear readers can also order it from Azintrade company. Both Mesh 100 and 200 types are available.

History suggests that, despite the name, plaster of Paris was made by the Egyptians. It was of use as an artistic decoration in many Egyptian tombs, and the Greeks picked up the technique, using plaster in their own homes, temples, and works of art. Paris became synonymous with this type of plaster in the 1600s, because of a large deposit of gypsum which made it easy to produce gypsum powder. The substance was also used extensively in fireproofing, giving homes a beautiful look.

This material is manufactured by calcining gypsum, a process which involves exposing the gypsum to a high temperature to create calcium sulfate and then grinding it into a soft white powder. When water is added to the powder to make a slurry, the slurry can be molded in a variety of ways, and as it sets, a firm matrix is created, creating a solid shape which is also very smooth.

When it comes to art, it can be used to make sculptures, and test molds for bronze and other metal castings. Plaster can also be used to make molds which will be very dependable while withstanding high temperatures. Plaster can also be used as an architectural feature, as for example in the case of plaster moldings mounted on doorways and window frames. An advantage to plaster of Paris is that there is no loss of volume, so casts made with this plaster are almost true to the size of the mold.

Using it as a building material, it can be used to increase the fire resistance of a structure. It is often applied as a coating over other construction materials like metal and wood. Doctors have historically used plaster of Paris to make smooth, hard casts for broken limbs.

 

Learn quick facts about gypsum here.

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