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Line 349: + − + − − [[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_17.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|17}}]]
→Plaster of Paris
===Plaster of Paris===
===Plaster of Paris===
[[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_17.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|17}}The use of plaster of Paris in holding a limb (Sourced from: www.wisegeek.com on 31/03/2014).]]
Plaster of Paris is made by calcining gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). This process involves heating gypsum to very high temperatures to form calcium sulphate. The calcium sulphate so formed is then grinded to powder. When water is added to this powder, a slurry is formed with the release of heat according to the equation:
Plaster of Paris is made by calcining gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O). This process involves heating gypsum to very high temperatures to form calcium sulphate. The calcium sulphate so formed is then grinded to powder. When water is added to this powder, a slurry is formed with the release of heat according to the equation:
: <math>Equation</math>
: <math>Equation</math>
The slurry can be molded in several ways. After cooling, it sets into a firm solid matrix that is very smooth. This material is used to hold broken anatomical structures such as the limbs (Fig. 17) until healing is completed (Sourced from: www.wisegeek.com on 31/03/2014).
The slurry can be molded in several ways. After cooling, it sets into a firm solid matrix that is very smooth. This material is used to hold broken anatomical structures such as the limbs ([[:File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_17.png|Figure 17]]) until healing is completed (Sourced from: www.wisegeek.com on 31/03/2014).
===Alkaline Water===
===Alkaline Water===