Abstract:
A process is described for the formation of fibrous insoluble calcium sulfate anhydrite, the fibers thereof having specified dimensions. A dilute aqueous suspension of gypsum and, if desired, a crystal habit modifier suitable for the formation of fibrous calcium sulfate hemihydrate, is first formed. The gypsum in this suspension is then converted to the fibrous hemihydrate by reaction in the presence of saturated steam at 120. degree. C to 155. degree. C for 0. 5 to 2. 5 hours, thereby forming fibrous calcium sulfate hemihydrate of the desired dimensions. The fibrous hemihydrate is thereafter calcined at 500. degree. C to 750. degree. C for 0. 5 to 3. 0 hours to convert the fibrous hemihydrate to fibrous insoluble calcium sulfate anhydrite having substantially the same crystalline shape and dimensions.