402F48033CAT

CAT (crystallized alkali–silicaactivate ternary system) systems include abbreviated CAT, CAT-S and CAT-T systems, where each system caters to specific applications. The \'CAT\' refers to the crystallization of an alkali-silicate activator (CAD) ternary system and was first developed in the late 80s and early 90s.

The prime objective behind the development of CAT systems was to provide a cost effective and user friendly way of controlling the expansion, shrinkage and creep levels of concrete products. The process involved the nitration of various elements, such as calcium oxide, sodium oxide, potassium oxide and silicate into aqueous solution, followed by the reaction between the cations and anions in the presence of an activating agent, thus forming polymeric CAT molecules.

These polymeric CAT molecules are lightweight and porous, which in turn offers a number of advantages over concrete products. Firstly, it offers a decrease in the rate of temperature transitions and temperature modifications, thus improving the efficiency of the thermal process while reducing the material’s vulnerability to cracking. Secondly, it offers an improvement in the product’s structural strength by providing a stronger bond between the molecules. Thirdly, it offers a greater resistance to damage by decreasing the susceptibility to damage due to freeze-thaw cycles and acid-weathering agents. Lastly, it adds to the product’s durability and long term performance by decreasing the probability of changes in the product’s properties due to aging.

CAT systems have also been used to improve the performance of reinforced concrete, where it is mixed with the commonly used cement-based admixture. The CAT molecules increase the bond strength between the aggregate and the cement paste, thereby enhancing the strength of the material. This is due to the unique molecular structure of the CAT molecules, which allow them to penetrate more deeply into the voids between the particles of the concrete mixture.

CAT systems are also employed in the production of cement-based admixtures, where the CAT molecule is used as a special binder that helps to enhance the bond strength between the cement paste and aggregates. This also helps to reduce the permeability and shrinkage of the concrete, thus improving the overall quality of the admixture. CAT-S and CAT-T systems are used in the production of admixtures, depending upon the specific application.

Apart from the applications discussed above, CAT systems are also used to improve the performance of the autoclave curing process, which is used to harden concrete products. CAT molecules increase the binding strength between the components of autoclave cured products, thus enhancing its strength characteristics. The presence of CAT molecules also helps to decrease the exothermic heat released during the curing process, which in turn helps to improve the performance of the curing cycle.

In conclusion, CAT systems have been used in a variety of applications, mainly due to its ability to enhance the bond strength between the components of the concrete products while increasing their resistance to damage. The light weight and porous structure of the CAT molecules also provide a number of additional benefits, particularly in terms of thermal performance and improved structural integrity of the products.