Microstructure of latex-filled plaster composites

We have investigated the effects of the nature and the concentration of latex on the microstructure of plaster/polymer blends in terms of the gypsum crystals morphology, the distribution of the polymer phase and the porosity of the materials. Addition of latexes to plaster results in a coarser crystallisation, a disturbance of the plaster hydration and a higher porosity. These changes are the more pronounced so as the concentration of latex is high. It is shown that the presence of latex noticeably modifies the porous network of the plaster.