Calcium Sulphate

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Calcium Sulphate is an inorganic compound composed of calcium, sulfur, and oxygen, commonly found in two forms: dihydrate (gypsum, CaSO4·2H2O) and anhydrous (CaSO4). It appears as a white or off-white crystalline powder or granules with low solubility in water. Calcium Sulphate is widely used in construction, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food industry, and various industrial applications. It acts as a filler, hardening agent, and drying agent due to its physical and chemical properties. The dihydrate form (gypsum) is notable for use in plaster and cement, while the anhydrous form is often used as a drying agent and in refractory materials.

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Categories: Nutrient Supplements, Fillers & Extenders, Fillers and Reinforcements Tags: Calcium sulphate, Cement additive, Construction material, Gypsum, Soil conditioner, White powder

Description

Table of Contents

Calcium Sulphate

Primary Uses

Construction Industry

Used as a key ingredient in plaster, plasterboard, and drywall for wall and ceiling finishes.
Acts as a setting regulator and hardening agent in cement and concrete mixtures.
Used in soil stabilization and as a component in some types of Portland cement.

Agriculture

Applied as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and reduce compaction.
Supplies calcium and sulfur nutrients to plants, enhancing crop yields.
Used to reclaim alkaline or sodic soils by improving drainage and nutrient availability.

Food Industry

Used as a food additive and firming agent in tofu and canned vegetables (E516).
Functions as a coagulant in tofu production.
Used as a calcium supplement in fortified foods and beverages.

Pharmaceuticals

Employed as an excipient in tablets and powders.
Used in medical plasters and orthopedic casts due to its setting and hardening properties.

Industrial Applications

Acts as a drying agent (desiccant) in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Used in the production of glass and ceramics.
Serves as a filler or extender in paints, coatings, and plastics.

Secondary Uses

Environmental Applications

Used in wastewater treatment to remove impurities and heavy metals.
Applied in flue gas desulfurization to reduce sulfur emissions from power plants.

Art and Craft

Used in sculpting and mold making as plaster of Paris (calcined calcium sulfate hemihydrate).

Veterinary Medicine

Used in animal feed as a source of calcium and sulfur.

KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Calcium sulfate
Common/Trade Name: Calcium Sulphate, Gypsum (dihydrate), Anhydrous Calcium Sulfate
CAS Number: 7778-18-9 (anhydrous), 10101-41-4 (dihydrate)
HS Code: 2521.00.00
Molecular Formula: CaSO4 (anhydrous), CaSO4·2H2O (dihydrate)
Synonyms:
- Gypsum (dihydrate)
- Plaster of Paris (calcined form)
- Anhydrite (anhydrous form)
- Calcium sulphate dihydrate

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Powder or crystalline solid
Color & Odor: White or off-white; odorless
Melting Point: Decomposes above 1450°C (anhydrous form)
Boiling Point: Not applicable (decomposes)
Density: Approx. 2.32 g/cm³ (anhydrous), 2.96 g/cm³ (dihydrate)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~0.2 g/100 mL at 20°C), insoluble in alcohol
pH (aqueous suspension): Neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7–9)
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; sensitive to moisture (anhydrous form hydrates to dihydrate)

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 1 (may cause slight irritation)
- Flammability: 0
- Reactivity: 0
Exposure Limits: No specific OSHA/ACGIH limits; avoid dust inhalation
Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally regarded as safe
Reactivity: Stable; reacts with water (anhydrous to dihydrate conversion)

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated area
Container Type: Sealed bags, drums, or bulk containers, moisture-proof packaging preferred
Shelf Life: Indefinite if kept dry
Special Handling: Use PPE to prevent dust inhalation; avoid moisture exposure for anhydrous form

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA Status: Approved for use as a food additive (E516) and pharmaceutical excipient
EFSA: Approved as a food additive with specific limits
Transportation: Not classified as hazardous
Waste Disposal: Dispose according to local environmental regulations

6. Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low; naturally occurring mineral with minimal environmental impact
Persistence: Naturally occurring; biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Naturally biodegradable

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

Gloves
Dust mask or respirator (for powder handling)
Safety goggles
Protective clothing

Handling Measures:

Avoid inhalation of dust
Use local exhaust ventilation when handling powders
Handle in well-ventilated areas

Storage Measures:

Keep containers tightly closed
Protect anhydrous form from moisture to prevent hydration
Store in a dry place away from incompatible substances

Hygiene Practices:

Wash hands thoroughly after handling
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the substance

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if large amounts ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Non-flammable
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO₂ as appropriate
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and respiratory protection if needed
Decomposition Products: May emit sulfur oxides under extreme heat