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Plaster of Paris is a fine white powder made by heating gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) to around 150°C, driving off the water content and producing calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO₄·½H₂O). When mixed with water, it rehydrates and sets into a hard, durable material. This rapid-setting property makes it ideal for a variety of construction, artistic, and medical applications.
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Plaster of Paris is widely used in the building industry for interior finishing work, especially in creating smooth wall and ceiling surfaces. It is easy to mold, shape, and sand, making it a preferred material for decorative elements such as cornices, moldings, and ceiling medallions. Its fine texture and quick-setting nature make it especially suitable for ornamental and detailed work.
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In addition to its architectural use, Plaster of Paris is an important material in the creation of molds and casts. It captures fine surface details, making it ideal for artistic sculpture, ceramic mold-making, and producing replicas. Its versatility and low cost make it popular across both hobbyist and professional applications.
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The medical field also makes extensive use of Plaster of Paris, especially in the production of orthopedic casts and splints. When applied as a wet bandage or sheet, it conforms to the body and hardens to form a rigid support for immobilizing broken bones or correcting deformities. It is also used in dental practices for molds and impressions.
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Plaster of Paris is valued for its workability, accessibility, and adaptability. While it is not suitable for exterior use or moist environments due to its water solubility, its role in art, construction, and healthcare remains indispensable. When stored properly and handled with care, it continues to be a reliable material in many fields.
Uses of Plaster of Paris
Plaster of Paris is commonly used to create smooth interior wall and ceiling surfaces. It sets quickly and can be sanded or painted for a clean, polished look.
Used for ornamental work, it helps form intricate moldings, cornices, and medallions that enhance interior design aesthetics.
Artists and sculptors use Plaster of Paris to create detailed statues, reliefs, and models due to its fine grain and ability to capture sharp features.
Its ability to replicate surface detail makes it perfect for making molds in ceramics, prototyping, and craft work.
In medicine, Plaster of Paris is used for immobilizing limbs in the form of orthopedic casts and splints, thanks to its conformability and quick hardening.
Dental labs use it for making molds of teeth and gums, allowing for precise fittings for crowns, bridges, and dentures.