Kalsiumsulfat

Kalsiumsulfat is a chemical compound with the formula CaSO4. It is a white, crystalline solid that is sparingly soluble in water. Kalsiumsulfat occurs naturally as the mineral gypsum, which is hydrated kalsiumsulfat (CaSO4·2H2O). Anhydrous kalsiumsulfat, also known as anhydrite, is formed when gypsum is heated and loses its water of crystallization.

Kalsiumsulfat has a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. It is a key component in the production of plaster of Paris, a material used in construction, sculpture, and medical casts. When mixed with water, plaster of Paris rehydrates to form a hard, solid mass. Kalsiumsulfat is also used as a desiccant, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air, and is often found in small packets in food packaging or other products susceptible to moisture damage. In agriculture, it is used as a soil amendment to improve soil structure and provide a source of sulfur and calcium for plants. It can also be used as a food additive, identified by the E number E516, where it acts as a firming agent, stabilizer, or color retention agent.

The mineral gypsum, a form of kalsiumsulfat, is a significant raw material in the construction industry. It is quarried and processed to produce drywall (also known as plasterboard or gypsum board), a common building material for interior walls and ceilings. In its natural form, kalsiumsulfat can also be found in sedimentary rocks and is associated with evaporite deposits, formed by the evaporation of water bodies.