Development of plaster foam for thermal and acoustic applications

Abstract Gypsum is an ancient material of great abundance that can be used as acoustic and thermal insulation protection in civil construction, especially when water-based foam is added to it, improving these properties. This research presents gypsum foam processing using a direct casting method with additives from natural sources, thus avoiding environment degradation. The results showed that gypsum foam has a potential for thermal and acoustic insulation and is more effective than other materials currently being used. Although, the material mechanical strength decreases when only water-based foam is added, further microsilica (MS) addition improved its mechanical strength without spalling its acoustic absorption and thermal conductivity.