LAUSR

Abstract Calcium sulfate whisker (CSW)-reinforced paraffin (PA)/gypsum composites were prepared using PA as the phase change material, gypsum as the matrix, and CSW as the reinforcement. A universal testing machine, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, and differential scanning calorimeter were used to determine the mechanical properties, thermal properties, phase composition, and microstructure of the composites. The results showed that the gypsum containing 15 wt% PA had the optimal properties for the PA/gypsum composites. The flexural and compressive strength values of the CSW-reinforced PA/gypsum composites were improved by 131% and 278%, respectively when the CSW content was 3.5 wt%. When the composites containing PA were treated by one thermal cycle, PA migrated into the micropores and the mechanical properties of the composites further improved.