WHAT IS GYPSUM?
- WHAT IS GYPSUM?
Gypsum is a material primarily composed of calcium sulfate, derived from natural minerals and industrial by-products. When processed into powder form, gypsum hardens upon mixing with water, making it a valuable construction material.
Despite its light weight, gypsum is highly durable and easy to work with, which is why it is widely used in a variety of applications—from residential housing to commercial facilities and office buildings.
6 Features of Gypsum
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Fire Resistance
Gypsum contains crystallized water that evaporates when exposed to fire, helping to slow down temperature rise and prevent the spread of flames. Therefore, gypsum boards are used as non-combustible materials for fire-resistant walls and ceilings.
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Thermal Insulation
Gypsum naturally limits heat transfer, helping to block external heat from entering a room. This reduces indoor temperature increase during hot days, enhances cooling efficiency, and saves air conditioning energy.
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Sound Insulation
The porous structure of gypsum absorbs and blocks sound, providing excellent acoustic insulation. Gypsum boards are ideal for quiet spaces such as offices, homes, schools, and hospitals.
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Humidity Regulation
Gypsum can absorb and release moisture depending on humidity levels, helping to regulate indoor humidity. This prevents mold growth and maintains a comfortable living environment.
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Lightweight and Easy Installation
Gypsum boards are lightweight and easy to cut, which shortens construction time and simplifies installation. As a result, they are widely used for partitions and ceilings in interior spaces.
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Environmentally Friendly
Gypsum is a recyclable material that helps conserve limited natural resources. Additionally, its production process consumes relatively low energy, contributing to reduced environmental impact.
Comparison Between Gypsum Boards and Plastic Panels
Gypsum boards and plastic panels are both widely used as interior finishing materials in construction projects. Each has its own characteristics and should be chosen based on the intended application.
Gypsum boards excel in fire resistance, sound insulation, and humidity control, and are made from environmentally friendly materials.
On the other hand, plastic panels are lightweight and easy to carry.
Gypsum
Plastic
Fire Resistance
Heat Insulation
Sound Insulation
Moisture Regulation
Weight
Recyclability
Applications and Examples of Gypsum Use
With its outstanding performance, gypsum is widely used in construction projects such as residential homes, offices, commercial facilities, and public buildings. It has become an essential interior material, contributing to the safety and comfort of modern architecture.
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Wall Material
Used in interior walls of homes and buildings to enhance fire resistance and sound insulation.
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Ceiling Material
Lightweight and easy to install, it is an ideal choice for ceilings, offering both fire resistance and sound insulation.
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Fire Protection Measures
Used to create fire-resistant zones, enhancing the overall safety of buildings.
History of Gypsum
Gypsum is one of the oldest building materials used by humans, with its history dating back to around 7000 BC in ancient Egypt.
Since then, it has been widely used for various purposes, contributing to the development of architectural culture.
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7000 B.C.〜
Gypsum: The Foundation of Civilization
During the construction of the pyramids, gypsum was used as a type of cement to hold stones together. Additionally, the coffin of King Khufu was made from alabaster (crystalline gypsum), and it is believed that the wine goblet used by Cleopatra was also made from gypsum.
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500 B.C.〜
The Emergence of Gypsum Construction Techniques
The use of gypsum spread from Persia to Greece and Rome, applied in paving, sculpture, and architectural decoration. During this period, construction techniques using gypsum were established, laying the foundation for its development across Europe.
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13th Century〜
Widespread in Church and Palace Decoration
In Europe, gypsum became widely used in palaces and churches as plaster. Notably, “Plaster of Paris,” produced in Paris, France, was of high quality and used in the construction of Westminster Abbey in England and Nottingham Castle.
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16th–18th Centuries
Rising Aesthetic Value of Gypsum Decoration
With the rise of Renaissance culture, gypsum became a popular architectural decorative material, especially in Florence. Palaces and churches in Baroque and Rococo styles were intricately adorned with gypsum on ceilings and walls, enhancing their aesthetic value.
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17th Century〜
Invention of the Gypsum Board
In the 17th century in the United States, log cabin-style wooden houses became common, and gypsum was applied thickly on interior surfaces to prevent fire. Later, in 1902, the gypsum board was invented and became a widely used construction material due to its ease of installation.
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20th Century〜
Yoshino Gypsum Begins Producing the First Gypsum Boards in Japan
In 1912, Yoshino Gypsum began producing calcined gypsum, and in 1922, the company started manufacturing and selling Japan’s first gypsum boards. Today, gypsum is widely used as a building material for its superior fire resistance, sound insulation, and environmental benefits.
