Calcined Gypsum & Gypsum Powder (Mesh 100 & 200) – Industrial & Market Overview
Introduction to Calcined Gypsum
Calcined gypsum, also known as gypsum powder or plaster of Paris, is produced by heating natural gypsum stone (CaSO₄·2H₂O) at controlled temperatures to partially remove chemically bound water. This process converts raw gypsum into calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO₄·½H₂O), a highly reactive and versatile construction and industrial material.
Calcined gypsum in Mesh 100 and Mesh 200 is widely used due to its fine particle size, controlled setting behavior, and excellent workability.
Production Process of Gypsum Powder
- Selection of high-purity raw gypsum stone
- Crushing and pre-sizing
- Calcination at controlled temperature (≈120–180°C)
- Grinding and classification to Mesh 100 or Mesh 200
- Quality control and packaging
Proper temperature control during calcination is critical, as it directly affects setting time, strength, and consistency.
Mesh Sizes & Technical Characteristics
| Mesh Size | Particle Size | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh 100 | Medium fine | Construction plaster, drywall compounds, general molding |
| Mesh 200 | Extra fine | Decorative works, precision molds, sculptures, smooth finishes |
Finer mesh provides smoother surface finish and higher reactivity, while coarser mesh offers better handling and controlled setting.
Chemical Composition & Standard Analysis
Typical Chemical Analysis (According to International Standards)
| Component | Typical Range (%) |
|---|---|
| Calcium Sulfate Hemihydrate (CaSO₄·½H₂O) | 85 – 95 |
| Purity (CaSO₄ basis) | ≥ 90 |
| Whiteness | ≥ 90 |
| Free Moisture | ≤ 1 |
| Insoluble Residue | ≤ 2 |
| Setting Time (Initial) | Controlled as per application |
All analyses are typically performed using XRF, sieve analysis, and setting-time tests, in compliance with ASTM, EN, and ISO standards.
Key Performance Properties
Calcined gypsum powder is valued for:
✔ Fast and controllable setting time
✔ Smooth and uniform texture
✔ High whiteness and brightness
✔ Excellent adhesion and workability
✔ Compatibility with additives and modifiers
These properties make it suitable for both industrial-scale manufacturing and precision decorative work.
Main Industrial & Commercial Applications
Construction & Building Materials
- Interior plastering
- Wall finishing compounds
- False ceilings
- Prefabricated building elements
Drywall & Gypsum Board Industry (Knauf-type Systems)
- Core material for gypsum boards
- Joint compounds and fillers
- Lightweight partition systems
Mold Making & Casting
- Ceramic and sanitary ware molds
- Architectural decorative molds
- Industrial pattern making
Art, Sculpture & Decoration
- Sculptures and statues
- Interior decorative elements
- Art casting and restoration works
Specialty & Industrial Uses
- Chemical additives
- Fire-resistant materials
- Insulation and acoustic systems
Global Market Demand & Key Importing Countries
Calcined gypsum and gypsum powder have strong demand in regions with active construction and interior finishing industries.
Major Import Markets Include:
- UAE – drywall, construction, prefab systems
- Qatar & Saudi Arabia – mega construction projects
- Oman & Kuwait – interior finishing and housing
- India – molds, ceramics, and construction
- China – industrial molds and decorative products
- African countries – affordable housing and infrastructure
- Central Asia & CIS countries – construction and renovation markets
Consistent quality, reliable supply, and competitive logistics are key success factors in these markets.
Packaging & Supply Options
- Bulk supply for factories
- Custom bags (25 kg, 40 kg, jumbo bags)
- Palletized or loose loading
Packaging is adapted based on customer application, transport mode, and destination market.
Key Factors for Industrial Buyers
Industrial customers evaluate gypsum powder based on:
- Chemical purity and whiteness
- Mesh consistency
- Setting time control
- Packaging flexibility
- Supply continuity
- Compliance with international standards
Reliable suppliers must offer technical documentation, stable quality, and scalable production capacity.
Marketing Advantages of High-Quality Gypsum Powder
High-grade calcined gypsum provides:
✔ Reduced waste in production
✔ Improved product consistency
✔ Better surface finish
✔ Lower rejection rates
✔ Higher customer satisfaction
These factors directly impact cost efficiency and brand reputation for manufacturers.
Conclusion
Calcined gypsum and gypsum powder in Mesh 100 and 200 are essential materials for construction, drywall systems, mold making, and decorative industries. High purity, controlled calcination, and precise particle sizing are critical for performance, while strong demand across regional and global markets makes this product a key industrial commodity.