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.

Description

Calcium Sulphate Uses

Primary Uses

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Pharmaceuticals

  • Employed as an excipient in tablets and powders.

  • Used in medical plasters and orthopedic casts due to its setting and hardening properties.

  1. 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 

  1. Environmental Applications

  • Used in wastewater treatment to remove impurities and heavy metals.

  • Applied in flue gas desulfurization to reduce sulfur emissions from power plants.

  1. Art and Craft

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

  1. Veterinary Medicine

  • Used in animal feed as a source of calcium and sulfur.
PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

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

 

  1. 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)

 

  1. 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)

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

 

  1. 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

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 COâ‚‚ as appropriate

  • Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and respiratory protection if needed

Decomposition Products: May emit sulfur oxides under extreme heat