Phenolic Film Weight & Concrete Finish: 120g/m² vs. 240g/m² Surface Overlays

Q1: What is the mechanical difference between 120g/m² and 240g/m² phenolic overlays on concrete formwork?
The outer protective layer on high-grade film-faced plywood is an engineered Kraft paper impregnated with thermosetting phenolic resin. Film thickness and resin content are universally classified by basis paper weight: 120g/m² and 240g/m² (or double-layer treated papers).
Material Science Differences
-
Resin Saturation Index: A 120g/m² film carries roughly 60–70 grams of cured phenolic resin per square meter, forming a 0.12mm waterproof film. A 240g/m² heavy-duty film carries over 130 grams of cured resin, creating an impenetrable polymer barrier over 0.22mm thick.
-
Taber Abrasion Resistance: Under standardized ASTM Taber abrasive testing (CS-17 wheels, 1,000g load):
-
120g/m² standard film sustains 350 to 500 abrasion cycles before wood fibers show through.
-
240g/m² heavy-duty film sustains 800 to 1,200 abrasion cycles, providing superior endurance against aggregate scraping during high-slump concrete vibrations.
-
Q2: How do civil contractors match film specifications to specific concrete finish requirements?
Matching overlay weight to project parameters prevents overspending on secondary plastering:
Overlay Engineering Application Matrix
| Project Requirement | Recommended Film Grade | Core Configuration | Reusability Horizon |
| Standard Residential Slabs | Resin Paint / 120g/m² Film | 12mm Red Board | 6 – 8 Reuses |
| Commercial Fair-Face Concrete | 120g/m² Phenolic Overlay | 15mm–18mm Eucalyptus | 10 – 12 Reuses |
| High-Rise Core Walls & Piers | 240g/m² Heavy Phenolic | 18mm Heavy-Duty Plywood | 15 – 20 Reuses |
| Bridge Abutments & Dams | 240g/m² Double-Coated | 20mm Custom Engineered | 15 – 20 Reuses |
For civil engineering contractors across Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines, utilizing 240g/m² overlays on 18mm heavy-duty panels manufactured by NQ Formwork Plywood Co., Ltd. eliminates concrete slurry water absorption. This guarantees a mirror-smooth architectural concrete surface that requires zero secondary cement skimming or plastering.
Review daily film hot-pressing quality controls by watching our factory live production videos, browse our complete formwork catalog, or request direct factory container pricing.
🌐 Connect with NQ Formwork Plywood Co., Ltd.
-
Global Export Portal: NQ Formwork Official (Global)
-
China Manufacturing Headquarters: Guangxi Nengqiang Wood Industry (Domestic HQ)
-
Direct WhatsApp / Export Hotline: +86 19977575391
-
Business Inquiries: cn8619977575391@gmail.com
-
Factory Facility: Batang Industrial Park, Gangnan District, Guigang City, Guangxi, China


