What are the Uses of Plaster of Paris

Answer: Plaster of Paris is made of a fine white powder (calcium sulfate hemihydrate) that hardens when moistened and allowed to dry. It has been around since antiquity and gets its name from the abundance of gypsum found in Paris.

The name of the plaster of paris – Calcium sulfate hemihydrate.

FName formula – CaSO₄.12H₂O.

Preparation of plaster of Paris:

Plaster of Paris is made by heating gypsum to 373 degrees Fahrenheit. When gypsum is heated to 373 degrees Fahrenheit, it loses three-quarters of its crystallization water and produces Plaster of Paris.It is also known as P.O.P.

The preparation reaction is as follows;

CaSO₄.2H₂O CaSO₄.12H₂O + 32H₂O

Properties:

• Freshly mixed plaster should have high adhesive and cohesion properties, as well as the ability to stay workable long enough to achieve the desired finish. 
• Hardened plaster should be weather resistant, long-lasting, and meet the necessary aesthetic requirements (color and texture).

Uses:

• Plaster of Paris is used to make molds, statues, and other artificial ornaments
•  In the case of bone fracturing, plaster of Paris is utilized to produce the cast. – It’s a dental filler that’s used to close gaps in teeth. – It’s used to manufacture chalk for blackboards
• Plaster of Paris is also used in buildings to prevent fire threats because it is fire resistant
• It is used as a fire retardant coating on wood and metal structures to prevent fires
• When making customized immobilization shells for patients, plaster is utilized to prepare them for radiotherapy
• It’s also used in dentistry to create replacement tooth molds
• In the event of an accident, funeral homes utilize plaster to reconstruct ruined tissue and restore severed limbs to the dead bodies
• It’s also used to treat wounds after a homicide or an accident