Gypsum-board, Plasterboard and Drywall

Plasterboard, gypsum board, drywall, and gypsum-based compounds are widely used in construction. They are made from gypsum, a soft mineral of calcium sulfate dihydrate, mixed with various additives to achieve specific properties. Additives are often used to control flow, set time, foaming, and lightweight, as well as to enhance specific properties such as durability and flexibility.

Plasterboard, also known as drywall, is a panel of gypsum plaster pressed between two sheets of paper. Gypsum board, also known as sheetrock or wallboard, is often treated with additives such as wax or silicone to improve the moisture resistance and prevent sagging.

Foaming agents such as surfactants or protein-based additives can create lightweight gypsum-based compounds that are easier to handle and apply. These compounds are often used in high-rise construction where weight is critical. Additives such as fibers, plasticizers, and retarders can also enhance specific properties such as flexibility, water resistance, and fire resistance. Adding perlite or vermiculite can create lightweight gypsum boards for easier installation and transportation. Starch and cellulose are often used to control the flow of the gypsum slurry during production and enhance the final product’s strength and flexibility.

Gypsum-based compounds such as cornice cement, gap fillers, and joint compounds fill gaps, seams, and cracks between gypsum panels and other materials. They are made from gypsum powder mixed with various additives such as polymers, foaming agents, and accelerators to control flow, set time, and enhance specific properties such as durability, flexibility, and moisture resistance. Cornice cement, for example, is used to create decorative cornices and moldings, while gap fillers fill significant gaps between panels.