Mechanical Properties of Gypsum-Based Composites
Summary
Gypsum-based composites, formed by the hydration of calcium sulfate dihydrate, exhibit a unique combination of low density, dimensional stability and fire resistance that make them indispensable in contemporary construction. Their mechanical performance is governed by factors such as porosity, crystal habit, water-to-gypsum ratio and the nature of added reinforcements or aggregates. Compressive strengths typically range from 5 to 15 MPa for standard boards, while flexural strengths vary between 1 and 4 MPa, depending on the incorporation of fibres, polymers or mineral fillers. The interlocking gypsum crystals confer stiffness and load-bearing capacity, yet inherent brittleness requires modification to improve toughness and impact resistance. Recent advances have focused on tailoring microstructure through controlled setting kinetics, incorporating natural or recycled fibres to bridge cracks, and utilising waste-derived lightweight aggregates to reduce density without compromising strength. Such developments enhance fire-resistance, thermal insulation and acoustic damping, while promoting circular-economy objectives by valorising by-products from construction, demolition and industrial processes. The global significance of these composites spans façade panels, partition walls, decorative mouldings and prefabricated elements, where performance, sustainability and cost-effectiveness increasingly converge.
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Mechanical Properties of Gypsum-Based Composites publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in mechanical properties of gypsum-based composites across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Gypsum: A soft mineral (calcium sulfate dihydrate) used as a binder in plasters and boards through hydration and crystal growth.
Porosity: The fraction of void spaces within a composite, influencing density, strength and thermal conductivity.
Flexural strength: The maximum stress a material can withstand under bending before failure.
Compressive strength: The capacity of a material to resist loads that reduce its size, measured by the maximum compressive stress sustained.
Thermal conductivity: The rate at which heat passes through a material, governing insulating performance.
Fibre reinforcement: The incorporation of fibres (glass, polymer or natural) into a matrix to improve toughness, crack resistance and post-failure behaviour.
References
- Lightweight composite gypsum boards with clay mineral and glass fibre for enhanced fire-resistance. Composites Part B Engineering (2023).
- Use of Polycarbonate Waste as Aggregate in Recycled Gypsum Plasters. Materials (2020).
- Study of the Mechanical and Physical Behavior of Gypsum Boards with Plastic Cable Waste Aggregates and Their Application to Construction Panels. Materials (2021).
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