Abstract:In order to investigate deterioration mechanisms of gypsum models, MIP, XRD, XRF and SEM techniques were applied to analyze the differences of the microstructure of new models and the waste. The results show that pores distributed homogeneously in the range of 0101000μm for new models. However, pores are thinned significantly and centered in 001010μm at the ratio of 67% at the waste stage. Pores between 010μm and 500μm are markedly reduced while the 5001000μm pores are unchanged. The porosity is slightly decreased. Crystal structure of waste models is loosed as dihydrate gypsum translated from needle and clavuligerus to tabular, plate like and short columnar. Moreover, sodium sulfate crystals are detected on surfaces. Mechanisms investigation indicates that pores of 010500μm and 001010μm are separately favorable to destruct for slurry absorbing property. The decrease of water absorbing capacity is due to the pore fining by ceramic slurry. Meanwhile, the decline of mechanical and working performances is due to the crystal transformation of dihydrate gypsum and the crystalline expansion of sodium sulfate generates by the chemical reaction of gypsum and slurry electrolytes.