Flexural behavior and microstructure analysis of a gypsum-SBR composite material

A more flexible organic-inorganic composite material with low density has been obtained using low cost and flexible latex, SBR latex in a gypsum matrix. Because of this, the microstructure and flexural properties of the new composite were studied. It is shown how, by the addition of the SBR latex in the gypsum matrix, either a polymer network (PN) or a thin polymer film is developed between the gypsum crystals increasing the elasticity or flexural behavior of normal gypsum.