Factors Related to the Carbonation Rate of GRC Panels: Analysis of Influencing Factors and Mechanisms

The durability of building materials is a core indicator of engineering quality. As an important material in modern architectural decoration, GRC panels (glass fiber reinforced concrete) have a carbonation rate that directly affects structural safety and service life. As an industry leader with 28 years of deep expertise in UHPC/GRC/GRG/GRP materials, Qinglong Group draws on its full-chain technical expertise to analyze in depth the key factors affecting GRC panel carbonation, providing designers and owners with a scientific basis for material selection.

1. Material Mix Proportion: The Intrinsic Gene of GRC Panel Carbonation

The carbonation process of GRC panels depends first on the scientific proportioning of raw materials. As the cementitious material, the type and amount of cement directly affect the carbonation reaction rate—high-alumina cement, whose hydration products are highly stable, can delay carbonation, while ordinary Portland cement requires alkalinity control through reasonable dosage. The addition of glass fiber not only improves mechanical performance; its surface treatment process (such as silane coupling agent modification) can effectively block CO₂ penetration. Experimental data show that when the glass fiber volume content of high-quality GRC panels is controlled at 3%-5%, carbonation depth can be reduced by more than 40%. Through its independently developed dual-blending technology (fly ash + ground slag powder), Qinglong Group optimizes the pore structure while ensuring strength, achieving a carbonation coefficient above 0.9—better than the industry average.

2. Environmental Factors: The Accelerating Effect of External Conditions on Carbonation

The natural environment acts as a “catalyst” for GRC panel carbonation. The synergistic effect of temperature and humidity is most pronounced: under conditions of 60%-70% relative humidity and 25℃, the carbonation reaction rate reaches its peak. Rising CO₂ concentration in the air (as in industrial environments) causes carbonation depth to grow exponentially, while ultraviolet exposure indirectly accelerates carbonation by degrading the surface resin coating. Relying on accelerated aging tests under subtropical climate conditions, Qinglong's production base (Nanning, Guangxi) has established a performance database covering the full temperature range from -30℃ to 60℃, ensuring product durability in extreme environments.

3. Process Control: The Quality Code of Production

The production process plays a decisive role in the carbonation resistance of GRC panels. The spray-up forming process uses high pressure to bond fibers tightly with the cement matrix, reducing interfacial defects, while steam curing promotes the hydration reaction and lowers porosity. Qinglong's imported German production line adopts three-dimensional material distribution technology and a microwave curing system, pushing the 28-day compressive strength of products beyond 80MPa and keeping capillary pore diameter below 20nm, significantly improving impermeability. Notably, surface treatment processes (such as fluorocarbon coatings) can form a physical barrier; testing shows that the coating adhesion of Qinglong GRC panels reaches 1.5MPa, extending the carbonation protection period to more than 20 years.

4. Engineering Application: Long-Term Assurance Through Installation and Maintenance

In actual projects, the carbonation of GRC panels is also closely related to installation techniques and later-stage maintenance. Cavity structural design can effectively prevent rainwater accumulation, while the use of stainless steel connectors prevents carbonation acceleration caused by electrochemical corrosion. Qinglong's original “dual sealing + breathing drainage” system achieved a 15-year record of zero carbonation deterioration in a landmark project in Shenzhen. For buildings already in service, regular testing (such as the rebound method for carbonation depth) and renewal of surface protection are key to extending service life. Qinglong's after-sales maintenance services now cover more than 300 projects nationwide, forming a closed-loop, full life-cycle management from design to maintenance.

As a national high-tech enterprise and a participant in developing GRC industry standards, Qinglong Group has always upheld the mission of “creating beautiful architecture.” Through material innovation and process upgrades, it continuously enhances the carbonation resistance of GRC panels. From the special-shaped curtain walls of Canton Tower to the decorative components of the Nanjing Yangtze River Tunnel, Qinglong GRC products have earned the long-term trust of leading real estate developers such as Vanke and Poly thanks to their outstanding durability. Going forward, with the development of UHPC/GRC composite technology, Qinglong will continue to explore low-carbonation, long-life solutions for new building materials, injecting lasting momentum into architectural aesthetics and structural safety.