UHPC Panel Surface Acid Pickling Treatment Effects: Guide to Texture Enhancement and Functional Optimization

Surface acid washing of UHPC panels is an important process for enhancing decorative texture and functional performance. By corroding the surface laitance with an acidic solution, it exposes the aggregate texture, achieving unique effects such as stone imitation and antique finishes. With 28 years of surface treatment experience, Qinglong Group has optimized acid washing process parameters and successfully applied them in projects such as the Nanning Liyuan Hotel and the Sichuan Panzhihua Third-Front Construction Culture and Tourism Project. After acid washing, UHPC panels achieve a texture similarity of 95%, with significantly improved functional performance.

1. Core Decorative Effects of Acid Washing Treatment

Stone-imitation texture reproduction: Acid washing removes cement laitance from the UHPC surface and exposes aggregate particles such as quartz sand, forming a rough texture similar to natural granite and marble, with a natural touch and rich visual layers. Qinglong performed acid washing on stone-imitation UHPC panels for the Dongting Lake Museum, with uniform aggregate exposure and a simulation degree of 96%, making them virtually indistinguishable from natural stone. Antique weathered effect: By adjusting the acid washing time and acid concentration, the UHPC panel surface presents varying shades of color, creating a vintage, weathered decorative effect. In the Yulin Darongshan Church project, Qinglong applied acid washing and aging treatment to colored UHPC panels, perfectly presenting a European vintage style. Texture enhancement effect: For mold-transferred textures (such as stone grain and wood grain), acid washing can deepen the texture grooves, enhancing the three-dimensional feel and touch. In the Shanghai New World wood-imitation translucent UHPC panel project, Qinglong increased the wood grain texture depth by 2-3mm through acid washing, making the texture more realistic.

2. Functional Optimization Effects of Acid Washing Treatment

Enhanced surface adhesion: After acid washing, the surface roughness of UHPC panels reaches Ra=3-5μm, a 3-4 fold increase compared to untreated panels (Ra=0.8-1.2μm). When subsequently applying coatings or adhering decorative materials, adhesion improves by more than 50%. Qinglong's tests show that after acid washing, fluorocarbon coating adhesion reaches 1.5MPa, far exceeding the 0.8MPa of untreated panels. Enhanced stain resistance: The rough surface forms a "micro-nano structure" with a certain self-cleaning capability, allowing rainwater to easily wash away surface dust. In the acid-washed UHPC panel project at Hainan Poly Peninsula No. 1, after one year of use, the surface stain residue rate was ≤5%, far below the 20% of untreated panels. Improved anti-slip performance: After acid washing, the surface friction coefficient is ≥0.6, a 50% increase compared to untreated panels (≤0.4), making it suitable for slip-resistant applications such as floors and steps. Qinglong performed acid washing on UHPC stair tread panels for a commercial complex, with anti-slip performance meeting the requirements of the Code for Acceptance of Construction Quality of Building Ground Engineering.

3. Process Specifications of Acid Washing Treatment and Qinglong's Technical Optimization

Acid formula: Oxalic acid (concentration 5%-8%) or phosphoric acid (concentration 3%-5%) is used, avoiding hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid (which are excessively corrosive and prone to over-corroding the aggregates). Qinglong's independently developed compound acid solution has mild corrosivity and ensures uniform aggregate exposure. Treatment time: Controlled at 5-15 minutes depending on panel thickness and effect requirements; for ultra-thin panels (≤20mm), the time is shortened to 5-8 minutes to prevent excessive acid penetration that could reduce strength. Process flow: Surface cleaning → acid spray/soaking → clean water rinsing → neutralization (applying an alkaline neutralizer) → drying → surface protection. Qinglong uses an automated acid washing production line in production, with precise control of acid concentration and treatment time, achieving an effect consistency of 98%. Post-treatment protection: After acid washing, a penetrating waterproofing agent or fluorocarbon varnish must be promptly applied to seal surface pores and prevent moisture and pollutants from penetrating. Qinglong's protection process extends the service life of acid-washed panels by more than 10 years.

4. Qinglong's Engineering Evidence and Technical Advantages

Project cases: Acid washing treatment of colored UHPC hollow panels at the Nanning Liyuan Hotel presented a unique colored stone grain effect, highly recognized by the owner; acid-washed UHPC panels for the Sichuan Panzhihua Third-Front Construction Culture and Tourism Project presented a chiseled stone surface effect with a simulation degree of 95%; acid washing treatment of UHPC flooring for a commercial complex met anti-slip performance standards, with no obvious wear after 3 years of use. Technical innovation: Holds the patent for "UHPC Component Acid Washing Surface Treatment Process", and has developed automated acid washing equipment, improving processing efficiency by 40% and enhancing effect stability; established an acid washing effect database for quick matching of process parameters according to customer needs.

Surface acid washing of UHPC panels is a dual enhancement method for both decorative texture and functional performance. With scientific process specifications, innovative technical solutions, and rich engineering experience, Qinglong Group provides customized acid washing services for various projects, enabling UHPC panels to achieve a perfect balance between decoration and practicality.