Plaster of Paris is a white powdery chemical compound that is hydrated calcium sulphate, usually obtained from calcining gypsum. It is a quick-setting gypsum plaster made of fine white powder (calcium sulphate hemihydrate) that hardens when wet and left to dry. Plaster of Paris is often produced using heated gypsum at a high temperature. The chemical formula of Plaster of Paris is CaSO4·1/2H2O, and it is a dihydrate compound. Some of the common uses of Plaster of Paris include:
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Sculpting materials: Plaster of Paris is used to make fine artwork for decoration and beautification of monuments and buildings. It can be molded into different shapes when moistened, making it a popular choice for sculpting materials.
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Gauze bandages: Plaster of Paris is used in the medical field to make plaster casts to immobilize broken bones while they heal.
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Fireproofing material: Plaster of Paris is stable at high temperatures, making it a useful fireproofing material.
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Filling cracks and gaps: Plaster of Paris is used in construction to fill cracks in walls and gaps.
Plaster of Paris is prepared by heating calcium sulfate dihydrate, or gypsum, to 120–180 °C (248–356 °F) .
