a b s t r a c t
The scope of this work is to provide a framework that can facilitate the detailed simulation of gypsum
board thermo-chemistry at ambient and elevated temperature conditions. The paper reviews gypsum
board thermo-chemistry, presents a methodological approach for the calculation of composition and
reaction energy, and focuses on methods calculating the ‘kinetic triplet’. The chemical kinetics of three
main reactions that take place when a gypsum board is exposed at elevated temperatures: evaporation
of free moisture content, dehydration of chemically bound water and crystal mesh reorganization were
investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry measurements under non isothermal conditions
and in an inert atmosphere. Experiments using samples of deionized water and commercial gypsum
board were carried out at temperatures up to 600 ◦C, with different heating rates. Mass and energy
balance equations were considered in order to define the initial composition of a gypsum board and the
energy that is absorbed/produced after the completion of the examined reactions. Model-free and modelfitting
approaches were used for the definition of the kinetic parameters of the examined reactions. The
approach minimizes the need for expensive and detailed experiments necessary for the determination
of the gypsum board behavior at elevated temperatures.