What is BETA Gypsum Powder and Its Uses

"BETA gypsum powder" typically refers to β-type calcium sulfate hemihydrate (β-CaSO₄·0.5H₂O), a crystalline product obtained by calcining gypsum. Compared with α-type high-strength gypsum (such as the α Grade II high-strength gypsum mentioned earlier), β-type gypsum powder differs significantly in crystal structure, physical properties, and applications. Its core uses are mainly concentrated in the following fields:

I. Construction and Decoration Materials

1. Wall and Surface Treatment

• Used to prepare gypsum mortar and putty for wall leveling and patching. It features moderate setting speed, easy construction, and certain thermal insulation and soundproofing properties.

• Manufactures lightweight building materials like gypsum blocks and boards, suitable for interior partitions and ceilings to meet the need for lightweight construction.

2. Architectural Models and Molds

• Creates architectural design models and construction layout models, ideal for rapid prototyping due to good formability and low cost.

II. Ceramic and Casting Industries

1. Ceramic Mold Making

• Serves as a mold material for ceramic slip casting (e.g., sanitary ware and daily-use ceramics). Its good water absorption quickly absorbs moisture from the slurry to facilitate ceramic green body forming.

2. Bonding Agent for Foundry Sand

• In some casting processes, β gypsum powder acts as a bonding agent for molding sand to assist in forming the mold cavity, typically used in small-scale and non-precision casting scenarios.

III. Medical and Dental Fields

1. Orthopedic Fixation Materials

• Historically used to make gypsum bandages (gradually replaced by polymer materials), leveraging its hardening property to fix fractured areas.

2. Dental Model Materials

• Fabricates gypsum models from dental impressions, aiding dentists in denture design and orthodontic planning, requiring good dimensional stability.

IV. Art and Craft Fields

1. Sculpture and Craft Making

• Due to low cost and easy carving, it is used to make gypsum sculpture prototypes and decorative crafts, or as a mold material (e.g., silicone mold casting for gypsum products).

2. Chalk and Teaching Aids

• Some educational chalks and gypsum teaching aids (e.g., geometric models) use β gypsum powder for its moderate hardness and easy processing.

V. Agriculture and Other Applications

1. Soil Conditioner

• In agriculture, β gypsum powder acts as a calcium and sulfur fertilizer supplement to improve soil structure (especially alkaline soil) and promote plant growth.

2. Food Additive (with Specific Treatment)

• Purified β gypsum powder (e.g., edible gypsum) can be used as a food coagulant (e.g., tofu making) or nutrient supplement, but must comply with food safety standards (strictly differentiated from industrial-grade products).

Core Differences Between β-Type and α-Type Gypsum Powders

Notes

• β gypsum powder has strong hygroscopicity; store it in a moisture-proof environment to avoid caking that affects performance.

• Different industries have varying requirements for the purity and fineness (e.g., mesh number) of β gypsum powder. Select appropriate specifications based on specific needs.