Gypsum Board (Drywall) Manufacturing and Recycling
Gypsum Board (Drywall) Manufacturing and Recycling
The Scale of the Trend and Green Strategies of Manufacturer
University of Florida
Abstract
Drywall is a panel made of gypsum plaster which is pressed between two thick paper sheets. It is also known as gypsum board, plasterboard, wallboard and sheetrock. Its function is not restricted to interior walls only, it is also used in ceilings and partitions because it is a faster alternative compare to traditional plaster. 1
The largest gypsum board market in the world is North America with a total drywall usage of 42,000,000,000 square feet (3.9×109 m2) per year, while worldwide 85,000,000,000 square feet (7.9×109 m2) per year is assigned to its usage.2 Subsequently, each year a huge amount of gypsum board waste material is deposited in land-fills. Waste from the construction of an average residential home consists of up to 30% gypsum drywall scraps by weight.3
In order to conserve natural resources and prevent environmental problems caused when drywall is disposed, gypsum drywall should be reused and recycled. Moreover, gypsum that is recovered from drywall can be used in several markets such as, new drywall, cement production, soil amendment and fertilizer.
History
The history of gypsum used in construction may return back to the days of ancient Egypt, since later its usage in building the Pyramids discovered. In the 18th century, the French chemist Lavoisier began modern research on gypsum. Meanwhile, some large gypsum deposits were discovered near Paris, “Plaster of Paris” which later became a popular building material. Gypsum board was first used in construction in the late 19th century, after Augustine Sackett patented “Sackett Board,” (layers of thin “Plaster of Paris” placed between wool felt paper).
In 20th century, after World War I, the demands for rapid construction led to a sharp increase in the demand for gypsum board. During World War II, gypsum board saw an accelerated growth
The Scale of the Trend and Green Strategies of Manufacturer
University of Florida
Abstract
Drywall is a panel made of gypsum plaster which is pressed between two thick paper sheets. It is also known as gypsum board, plasterboard, wallboard and sheetrock. Its function is not restricted to interior walls only, it is also used in ceilings and partitions because it is a faster alternative compare to traditional plaster. 1
The largest gypsum board market in the world is North America with a total drywall usage of 42,000,000,000 square feet (3.9×109 m2) per year, while worldwide 85,000,000,000 square feet (7.9×109 m2) per year is assigned to its usage.2 Subsequently, each year a huge amount of gypsum board waste material is deposited in land-fills. Waste from the construction of an average residential home consists of up to 30% gypsum drywall scraps by weight.3
In order to conserve natural resources and prevent environmental problems caused when drywall is disposed, gypsum drywall should be reused and recycled. Moreover, gypsum that is recovered from drywall can be used in several markets such as, new drywall, cement production, soil amendment and fertilizer.
History
The history of gypsum used in construction may return back to the days of ancient Egypt, since later its usage in building the Pyramids discovered. In the 18th century, the French chemist Lavoisier began modern research on gypsum. Meanwhile, some large gypsum deposits were discovered near Paris, “Plaster of Paris” which later became a popular building material. Gypsum board was first used in construction in the late 19th century, after Augustine Sackett patented “Sackett Board,” (layers of thin “Plaster of Paris” placed between wool felt paper).
In 20th century, after World War I, the demands for rapid construction led to a sharp increase in the demand for gypsum board. During World War II, gypsum board saw an accelerated growth
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