ProUmid Application Note: Water Vapor Sorption of Plaster

ProUmid Application Note

Dynamic vapor sorption measurements are an important instrument in the development and evaluation of building materials like plaster, cement, mortar and similar.

Due to the wide range of uses and tasks for such materials, a variety of products are available to meet the requirements of the respective application.

An important criterion here is the water absorption capacity of the material. For example, plasters developed for use in bathrooms should have a higher water absorption capacity than plasters used in living spaces or as exterior and thermal insulation plasters.

Application Note

Plasters for interior applications are commonly hygroscopic and therefore suitable to passively regulate the climate in terms of room humidity. By absorbing moisture at high relative ambient humidity and a subsequent desorption at low room humidity, a pleasant room climate can be maintained.

For outdoor use, the durability and weather resistance of building materials is an important criterion. Both strongly depend on the interaction of the material with moisture. Since water is involved in most physico-chemical processes, the property profile of the material should meet the requirements of the specific site of use.

Dynamic water vapor sorption measurements can be used to specifically adapt new formulations, structures and processes to specific requirements. The behavior of the material under the influence of changing relative humidities as well as temperature effects can be analyzed. Furthermore, DVS measurements can be used to simulate and accelerate ageing processes induced by climatic effects. Thus, statements on the durability of materials can be made more quickly.