Gypsum is a widely occurring mineral whose main component is a hydrate of calcium sulfate (CaSO4), usually containing two crystalline waters, with the chemical formula CaSO4ยท2H2O. Gypsum has a wide range of applications in construction, medical, industrial and other fields. This article will introduce the structural characteristics of gypsum and its industrial application in detail.
First, the structural characteristics of gypsum.
The crystal structure of gypsum belongs to the monoclinic crystal system with a space group of p21 n. In gypsum crystals, each calcium ion is bound to six sulfate ions by coordination bonds to form a regular cubic structure. Each sulfate ion is bound to four calcium ions by coordination bonds to form a tetrahedral structure. This structure gives gypsum crystals high stability and hardness.
Second, the application of gypsum in industry.
1. Building materials: Gypsum is an important building material, mainly used in the production of gypsum board, gypsum blocks, gypsum mortar, etc. Gypsum board has fireproof, heat insulation, sound insulation and other properties, and is widely used in the interior wall, exterior wall, ceiling and other parts of the building; Gypsum blocks have the characteristics of light weight, high strength and good thermal insulation performance, and can be used for partitions and interior walls of buildings; Gypsum mortar has the characteristics of strong adhesion and convenient construction, and can be used for plastering of walls and floors.
2. Medical field: Gypsum is also widely used in the medical field, mainly used for fracture fixation, dental model manufacturing, etc. Gypsum fixation is a commonly used fracture fixation method, by mixing gypsum powder with water to make a plaster mold of suitable shape, wrapping it on the fracture site, to achieve the purpose of fixing the fracture; A dental model is a type of model used in oral medicine that is made into a plaster mold by mixing gypsum powder with water, and then injecting dental material into the mold to make a dental model for dental restoration, orthodontics, etc.
3. Industrial field: In addition to the construction and medical fields, gypsum is also widely used in the industrial field, mainly used in papermaking, chemical, ceramics and other industries. In the paper industry, gypsum can be used as a filler to improve the brightness, whiteness and strength of the paper; In the chemical industry, gypsum can be used to produce sulfuric acid, fertilizers, etc.; In the ceramic industry, gypsum can be used as a mold material for the molding of ceramic products.
3. Summary. Gypsum is a widely occurring mineral with a stable crystal structure and a variety of excellent properties. It has a wide range of applications in construction, medical, industrial and other fields. With the continuous progress of science and technology and people's requirements for environmental protection and health, the application prospects of gypsum will be broader.