What are Calcium Sulfate Properties and types?
Calcium sulfate dihydrate is a chemical obtained from gypsum, a natural compound. It is used in the preparation of calcium sulfate and calcium sulfoaluminate. It is a source of sulfur and sulfuric acid. It is hygroscopic in nature and non-combustible, and it is stable under normal temperatures and pressure. The decomposition of calcium sulfate dehydrate results in sulfur oxide and calcium oxide.
Gypsum is a mineral categorized as a calcium sulfate mineral, and its chemical formula is calcium sulfate dihydrate, CaSO4 2H2O. However, a broader definition includes all the calcium sulfates, including calcium sulfate hemihydrate, which is known as plaster. This calcium salt is used for a wide variety of purposes. such as building materials, as desiccant, in dentistry as casting material, in medicine for immobilizing casts and as tablet excipient.
It exists in the many forms and the states of the hydration. The major application of the calcium sulfate (CaSO4) is to manufacture the plaster of Paris and the stucco. These applications exploit the fact that powdered and calcined forms of the calcium sulfate a moldable paste after being hydrated. and hardens as the crystalline calcium sulfate dihydrate.
Properties of calcium sulfate
- This material is solid and has a powdery state.
- Its color is crystal white.
- This chemical product is completely odorless.
- It is stable at room temperature.
- It is a chemical substance with a straight rhombic crystal structure.
- Its melting point is 1450 degrees Celsius.
- It is one of the most common types of sulfate in the world.
- It does not dissolve in water and ethanol.
- It is a non-toxic substance and is safe for humans.
It is non-flammable and will not catch fire if placed near heat.
Types of calcium sulfate
The above compound is insoluble in water and can be covered by two H2O water molecules. Depending on the number of water molecules that surround these chemical compounds, different types of it emerge
- Dry or anhydrous that does not have any water molecules in its structure.
- Half water or plaster of paris that has half a molecule of water.
- Two water that is created when mixed with water.
