Potassium Lignosulfonate
Product Name: Potassium Lignosulfonate (Potassium Lignosulphonate)
Synonyms: Lignosulfonic acid potassium salt
CAS Number: 68514-28-3
Chemical Nature: Water-soluble, anionic, polymeric surfactant (derived from the sulfite wood pulping process) featuring a high potassium content.
1. General Description
Potassium Lignosulfonate is an eco-friendly, biodegradable natural polymer. It appears as a free-flowing, yellow-brown to dark brown powder that is 100% soluble in water. Unlike sodium or calcium lignosulfonate, this specific variant is characterized by its rich content of plant-available potassium. Consequently, it is highly favored in the agricultural sector as an organic fertilizer, chelating agent, and soil conditioner, while also serving as a high-performance binder in specific industrial applications.
2. Technical Specifications (Powder Form)
The following table outlines the typical parameters for industrial and agricultural-grade Potassium Lignosulfonate:
| Property | Specification / Typical Value |
| Appearance | Yellow-brown to brown powder |
| Dry Matter (Solid Content) | ≥ 95.0% |
| Lignosulfonate Content | ≥ 50.0% – 55.0% |
| Potassium Content (as K2O) | ≥ 10.0% – 12.0% |
| pH Value (10% aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | ≤ 1.5% |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 7.0% |
| Solubility | Completely and rapidly soluble in water |
3. Primary Applications (What is Potassium Lignosulfonate used for?)
Thanks to its high potassium content and excellent chelating properties, its applications are predominantly focused on the agricultural sector and specialized industries:
- Agriculture (Organic Fertilizer & Chelating Agent): Serves as an excellent organic potassium fertilizer. It chelates trace elements (such as iron, zinc, and manganese), making them easier for plant roots to absorb and preventing them from leaching out of the soil.
- Soil Conditioner: Improves soil structure, promotes beneficial soil microbial activity, and increases moisture retention capacity, which is particularly beneficial for sandy or depleted soils.
- Agrochemicals (Pesticides): Used as a highly effective suspending and dispersing agent in the formulation of wettable pesticide powders (WP) to ensure an even distribution of active ingredients on plant leaves.
- Ceramics & Refractories: Acts as a powerful binder and dispersant. It increases the mechanical strength of unfired ceramic bodies (green strength) and improves the fluidity of the slurry.
- Briquetting & Pelleting: Serves as an ash-free, natural binder in the extrusion and pressing of coal, biomass, or fertilizer pellets.
4. Packaging and Storage
- Packaging: Standardly supplied in 25 kg PP woven bags with PE inner liners. Bulk jumbo bags (500 kg or 600 kg) are available upon request for industrial buyers.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. Keep away from strong oxidizing agents and direct moisture.
- Hygroscopicity Note: The powder is highly hygroscopic (readily absorbs moisture from the ambient air). Partially used bags must be sealed airtight immediately to prevent lumping and caking.
5. Safety and Handling (HSE)
- Hazard Classification: The product is non-toxic, biodegradable, and not classified as dangerous goods. It is safe for use in organic farming applications.
- Protective Equipment: To prevent mechanical irritation of the respiratory tract and eyes from fine dust, wearing a standard dust mask and safety goggles is recommended during handling.
- First Aid: In case of eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of clear water. For skin contact, simply wash off with soap and water.