Design of a novel calcium sulfate-based lightweight composite: towards excellent thermal properties

This article addresses the design of a self-compacting gypsum-based lightweight composite (SGLC). A β-hemihydrate is used as binder and lightweight aggregate (LWA, 0-2 mm in different size ranges) is used as aggregate into this composite. The mix of the new composite is designed based on the particle size distribution grading theory applying the modified Andreasen and Andersen (A&A) grading line to obtain an optimal packing of all the used solid materials. The thermal behavior of the new developed composite is investigated, from its thermal physical properties and fire behavior. The study demonstrates that this new composite has significant improvement compared to those of traditional gypsum plasterboard.