Influence of different water types on the physical and mechanical properties of gypsum

Aim: To evaluate if gypsum mixed with different water types, with their different compositions influence the dimensional change, surface roughness and compressive strength of type IV and V gypsum specimens. Methods: Sixty specimens were fabricated from metal matrices and divided into six groups (n=10) according to the used type of gypsum and water: G1, G2 and G3 – type IV gypsum and tap, mineral and distilled water, respectively; G4, G5 and G6 – type V gypsum and tap, mineral and distilled water, respectively. Water/powder ratio followed the manufacturer’s recommendations (19 mL/100 g) in all groups. The same specimens were used for all tests. A micrometer dial evaluated the dimensional change. The surface roughness of three random points was determined with a rugosimeter; a universal testing machine performed the compressive strength test. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the three types of water in the studied variables. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the gypsum mixes for the dimensional change variable. Conclusions: The different water types, with their different compositions, did not influence the analyzed physical and mechanical properties.