What is the difference between gypsum & POP?.- Their manufacturing process & different uses.

 Gypsum:

Gypsum.

Gypsum is a calcium sulfate dihydrate having a chemical formula CaSO4.2H2O. Gypsum mineral is usually mined from sedimentary deposits. They contain other oxide impurities like MgO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, etc, so it is extracted and processed to get in a pure form. They are transparent, white, or grey in color when purified.

 The name gypsum came from the Greek word gypsos, which means plaster.

Gypsum is used in making gypsum boards, gypsum plaster materials, fire retardant materials, gypsum blocks, gypsum tiles, etc.

Plaster Of Paris ( POP ):

Plaster of Paris.

When the gypsum is heated slowly at a low temperature of 120 - 180°C, it loses 75% of its water to form POP. The chemical formula for plaster of Paris (POP ) is CaSO4.1/2H2O. We can say that POP is a material produced by incomplete calcination of Gypsum at a controlled temperature.

The large deposits of gypsum were found near Montmartre of Paris that was used to make wall plaster after calcining. Since then it became popular by the name Plaster of Paris (POP).

POP is used in ornamental works, in making internal decorative ceilings, punning, soundproofing applications, sculptural arts, architectural shapes, etc.

In a tabular form, let us observe the 6 main differences between gypsum and POP.

Sl. no.	Description	Gypsum	POP
1.	Availability.	Natural form.	Manufactured from Gypsum.
2.	Chemical formula.	CaSO4.2H2O	CaSO4.1/2H2O
3.	Moulding.	Prefabricated.	Moulded into any shape by adding water.
4.	Usage.	Prefabricated boards, blocks, tiles, etc.	Ornamental works, moulded sculptures, architectural works, etc.
5.	Available form.	Lumps & rocks.	White powder.
6.	Material casting.	Cast in factory.	Cast in situ.

 

To go through the comparison & difference between the several types of building materials & construction costs, click here.

Thank you for going through this article❤. Have a good day 😄.

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