Calcium sulphate hemihydrate hydration leading to gypsum crystallization

The hydration of calcium sulphate hemihydrate (CaSO4·0.5H2O) leading to the crystallization of gypsum (calcium sulphate dihydrate – CaSO4·2H2O) has been the subject of several investigations over a long period and a vast amount of data is widely distributed throughout in the literature. In this review article an overall picture of the subject is presented. The properties of the two hemihydrates (α- and β-), their hydration characteristics, the mechanism of their hydration and the crystal growth of gypsum are discussed. Additives modify the microstructures of the hardened gypsum and reduce its strength. A probable mechanism is discussed.