GLASS REINFORCED GYPSUM BOARD AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

1 - 16 . (canceled)

17 . A gypsum-containing panel comprising:

at least one facing comprising a first polymer that is reinforced with reinforcing fibers; and

a gypsum core comprising a second polymer in a polymer matrix interwoven with a gypsum matrix;

wherein said first polymer in said at least one surface layer and said second polymer matrix in said gypsum core form a continuous polymer matrix.

18 . The panel of claim 17 wherein said second polymer is a cellulose ether.

19 . The panel of claim 17 wherein said first polymer is the same polymer as said second polymer.

20 . The panel of claim 17 wherein said gypsum core comprises from about 0.3 wt % to about 4 wt % of the second polymer based on the weight of said gypsum matrix.

21 . The panel of claim 17 wherein said reinforcing fiber is at least one of the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol fibers, polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, glass fibers or mixtures thereof.

22 . The panel of claim 17 wherein said at least one facing layer comprises two facing layers.

23 . The panel of claim 17 wherein said gypsum matrix further comprises host particles having calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals formed in the crevices of said host particle.

24 . A gypsum-containing panel core comprising:

a film-forming polymer in a polymer matrix; and

a matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals and host particles having calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals formed in the crevices of said host particle and interwoven with a gypsum matrix;

wherein the film-forming polymer matrix and the calcium sulfate dihydrate matrix are interwoven with each other.

25 . The core of claim 24 wherein said core comprises said polymer matrix in amounts of from about 0.3% to about 4% by weight based on the weight of calcium sulfate dihydrate present.

26 . A method of making a reinforced gypsum panel comprising:

combining a water-soluble, film-forming first polymer, water and reinforcing fibers to make a facing material;

making a solution of water and a water-soluble, film-forming second polymer;

maintaining the solution above the gel temperature of the first polymer;

mixing the solution into a slurry of calcium sulfate hemihydrate and water;

hydrating the calcium sulfate hemihydrate to form a gypsum core comprising a matrix of calcium sulfate dihydrate crystals interwoven with a film formed by gelling the second polymer;

applying the facing to the core; and

forming a continuous polymer matrix through the core and the facing.

27 . The method of claim 26 wherein said mixing step further comprises adding a host particle.

28 . The method of claim 26 wherein said combining step further comprises applying the second polymer to the reinforcing fibers.