Characterization of Gypsum Waste from Civil Construction to Obtain Polymer Composites

Abstract

This work aims to characterize the post-consumption plaster and compare it with virgin plaster. Burrs from plaster frames manufacturing were collected at the manufacturer. These samples were dried in a drying oven. Then, they were milled in a ball mill, until forming a fine and homogeneous powder. The samples were returned to the drying oven at three different temperatures, 100, 150 and 200°C, to define the best drying temperature, because the water removed in this process changes the structure of the semi-hydrated calcium sulfate gypsum into bihydrated. Then, vibrational Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed to characterize the virgin plaster and the reused plaster, making it possible to know the structure and the groups present in the components.