Plaster of Paris

Brief Overview
Plaster of Paris, also known as quick-setting gypsum plaster, consists of a fine white powder (calcium sulfate hemihydrate), which hardens when moistened and allowed to dry.

Manufacturing Process
Plaster of Paris is produced by heating the gypsum up to 150 ^oC to remove 75% of its combined water, to form a dry powder of calcium sulfate.

Ceramic Industry
It is used for model making, making moulds for slip casting ware.

Construction
Plaster of Paris is a building material that is used as a protective coating on walls and ceilings. It is also used to make sculptures, historical monuments and metal castings for decorative purposes in buildings, and create complex detailing in room interiors.

Medical
In medical uses, Plaster of Paris is used in orthopaedics to put casts around fractured bones. This stiff casts will help the bone heal and be restored.