Plaster

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**History and Types of Plaster:**
– Plaster has a rich history dating back 7,000 years, with early uses in the Middle East, Egypt, and Europe.
– Types of plaster include clay plaster, gypsum plaster (Plaster of Paris), lime plaster, and cement plaster.
– Clay plaster, made of clay, sand, water, and plant fibers, has been used globally since ancient times for interiors and decorative purposes.

**Manufacturing and Applications:**
– Plaster is manufactured as dry powder forms like gypsum, lime, and cement, which are mixed with water before application.
– Plaster is used for wall and ceiling coatings, decorative elements, medical casts, dental models, and fresco painting.
– Lime plaster, for example, is used for frescoes and wall surfaces, setting through a chemical reaction with carbon dioxide.

**Specific Plaster Types and Uses:**
– Gypsum plaster (Plaster of Paris) is used for making casts, statues, and toys due to its hardening properties with water.
– Lime plaster is common for lath and plaster construction and frescoes, providing smooth surfaces for painting.
– Cement plaster is applied to masonry for smooth surfaces and fireproofing, with heavy versions for exterior applications.

**Artistic, Medical, and Fire Protection Applications:**
– Plaster is widely used in art for sculptures, reliefs, molds, and architectural details.
– In medicine, plaster supports broken bones, creates dental models, and aids in radiotherapy immobilization.
– Plaster is crucial for fire protection, releasing water vapor to slow fire spread and providing insulation to structural elements.

**Safety, 3D Printing, and Miscellaneous Uses:**
– Safety concerns include burns from exothermic setting and hazards from silica or asbestos inhaled during work.
– 3D printing utilizes gypsum plaster with water for intricate designs and rapid prototyping in various industries.
– Miscellaneous uses include joint compounds, exterior finishes like stucco, Tadelakt waterproof plaster, and historical plaster work styles like Yeseria.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plaster