Effect of superplasticizers on the properties of latex modified gypsum plaster

This present work aims at analysing the combined effects of SBR latex and various types of superplasticizers on the properties of gypsum plaster. Three commercially available superplasticizers were added to the latex-gypsum blends at various percentage increments of 0.2-1%. The characterization of superplasticized latex plaster blends was done by measuring the wide range of properties of latex-gypsum plaster. Initially the combined effects of latex and super plasticizer concentration on the fresh state properties of the plaster were analyzed. The fresh state results showed that the water demand was much reduced without affecting the workability. The mechanical properties investigation proved that the properties of the plaster were much enhanced with improved water resistance behaviour. The microstructure studies using Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the denser and compact gypsum grains with mass reduction in porosity. The significant improvement in thermal stability and electrical conductivity of the plaster was also observed in the superplasticizers-latex blended gypsum plaster. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.