Kipsivalmisteet

Kipsivalmisteet, often translated as gypsum products or plaster products, are building materials derived from gypsum rock. Gypsum is a mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. When heated in a controlled process, it loses some of its water molecules to form plaster of Paris, a fine white powder. This powder is then mixed with water to create a paste that can be molded or applied, and which hardens upon drying through a rehydration process.

The most common form of kipsivalmisteet is plasterboard, also known as drywall or gypsum board. This consists of a gypsum plaster core sandwiched between two sheets of paper or fiberglass. Plasterboard is widely used for interior walls and ceilings due to its ease of installation, fire resistance, and ability to create smooth surfaces for finishing. Other kipsivalmisteet include various types of plasters for coating walls and ceilings, decorative moldings, and specialized casting plasters for artistic and industrial applications.

The properties of kipsivalmisteet, such as their excellent fire resistance, acoustic insulation capabilities, and vapor permeability, make them a versatile and popular choice in construction. They are also relatively inexpensive and readily available. Environmental considerations are also relevant, as gypsum can be recycled, and the mining of gypsum rock has localized environmental impacts.