What percentage of water can gypsum wallboard entrap?

Gypsum wallboard, commonly known as drywall, has a composition that includes a significant proportion of water. In fact, the manufacturing process of gypsum wallboard incorporates water into its structure, which can account for a considerable percentage of its total weight. Typically, gypsum wallboard can entrap around 20% of water. This water is held within the crystalline structure of the gypsum, and during the drying and curing process, it contributes to the board's properties, such as its fire resistance and overall strength. Understanding this characteristic is crucial, especially when considering the influence of moisture on building materials, which can affect issues related to structural integrity and mold growth in construction practices.