Gypsum is a calcium sulfate hemihydrate with chemical formula CaSO4.0.5H2O, largely produced in Araripe, state of Pernambuco, Brazil, and features a purity ranging from 80 to 95%; their implementation is mainly based on the construction and also in dentistry, chemical industry, orthopedics, etc.. Due to the high quality of raw material and the low use of gypsum materials and objects with higher added value, there was the need to characterize the raw material for a better knowledge of its properties. FTIR, XRD, XRF, SEM, compressive and flexural strength, evaluation of porosity, particle size analysis and evaluation of the setting time of the paste procedures were performed. This study aims to know in detail the chemical, morphological and mechanical characteristics of gypsum, to be able to improve its properties for application in new products.
gypsum; characterization; properties
