Microstructure and mechanical properties of β-hemihydrate produced gypsum: An insight from its hydration process

This article addresses the microstructure and related mechanical properties of gypsum produced from β-hemihydrate using information of its hydration process, from fresh paste to hardened gypsum. ter demand of the investigated β-hemihydrate was determined applying the spread flow test. The flowability was studied and the deformation coefficient of the β-hemihydrate was derived accordingly. The hydration process of the β-hemihydrate was investigated applying an ultrasonic wave method and the influence of the water content on hydration was analyzed. crostructure of the generated gypsum was studied by experiments and modeling. A model [1] was applied, which was successfully validated by the present experiments. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the produced gypsum were investigated, and a numerical relation between water amount and strength was found.