Development of gypsum composite with enhanced mechanical and durable performance using chemical admixture and zeolite

Abstract

This study deals with the properties of gypsum plaster that are synthesized by adding different proportions of zeolite used as mineral aggregate. The experimental tests also characterize the effect of superplasticizers to reduce the water by gypsum ratio of plaster and latex emulsion to improve the adherence between the gypsum surface and zeolite. The compressive, flexural, split tensile strength, UPV, dynamic modulus, water absorption, porosity and sorptivity tests were conducted for the composite gypsum phase containing different zeolite percentage. Results obtained show that 20% substitution of gypsum by zeolite provided maximum mechanical strength which can be chosen as optimum. The superplasticizers compensated for the loss in the workability caused by the addition of zeolite. The addition of polymer latex reduces the water absorption of gypsum plaster by modifying the micro-morphology of the gypsum plaster.