What is Gypsum Board?
Gypsum board is the generic name for a family of panel-type products consisting of a noncombustible core, primarily composed of gypsum, with a paper surfacing on the face, back, and long edges. Often called drywall, wallboard, or plasterboard, gypsum board's noncombustible core makes it different from plywood, hardboard, and fiberboard. When joints and fastener heads are covered with a joint treatment system, gypsum board provide a monolithic surface that is ready for decorative treatment.
Gypsum is a mineral found in sedimentary rock formations in a crystalline form known as calcium sulfate dihydrate. One hundred pounds of gypsum rock contains approximately 21 pounds (or 10 quarts) of chemically combined water. Gypsum rock is mined or quarried and then crushed. In a process called calcining, the crushed rock is ground into a fine powder and heated to about 350 degrees F, driving off three fourths of the chemically combined water. The calcined gypsum (or hemihydrate) becomes the base for gypsum plaster, gypsum board and other gypsum products.
To produce gypsum board, the calcined gypsum is mixed with water and additives to form a slurry that is fed between continuous layers of paper on a board machine. As the board moves down a conveyer line, the calcium sulfate recrystallizes or rehydrates, reverting to its original rock state. The paper becomes chemically and mechanically bonded to the core. The board is cut to length and conveyed through dryers to remove any free moisture.
Gypsum manufacturers also increasingly rely on "synthetic" gypsum as an effective alternative to natural gypsum ore. Synthetic gypsum is a byproduct primarily from the desulfurization of the flue gases in fossil-fueled power plants
Advantages of Gypsum Board Construction
Gypsum board walls and ceilings have a number of outstanding advantages:
Fire Resistive
Sound Attenuating
Durable
Economical
Versatile.
Fire Resistiv
Gypsum board is an excellent fire resistive material. It is the most commonly used interior finish where fire resistance classifications are required. Its noncombustible core contains chemically combined water which, under high heat, is slowly released as steam, effectively retarding heat transfer. Even after complete calcination, when all the water has been released, it continues to act as a heat insulating barrier. In addition, tests conducted in accordance with ASTM E 84 show that gypsum board has a low flame spread index and smoke density index. When installed in combination with other materials it serves to effectively protect building elements from fire for prescribed time periods
Sound Attenuation
Control of unwanted sound transmission to adjoining rooms is a key consideration in the design or renovation stage of a building or residence. Gypsum board wall and ceiling systems help control sound transmission. Suggested systems for sound attenuation and sound control are described and illustrated in GA-600, Fire Resistance Design Manual along with recommended procedures to obtain sound control..
Durability
Using gypsum board results in strong high-quality walls and ceilings with excellent dimensional stability and durability. The surfaces are easily decorated and refinished.
Economy
Gypsum board is readily available and easy to apply. It is an inexpensive wall surfacing material offering a fire-resistant interior finish.
Thickness 7mm / 9 mm / 12mm / 15mm
Length : 3x120 m / 2 . 40 x 120 m