Company/Manufacturer: Green Agrochem
Product Name: Calcium Lignosulfonate (Calcium Lignosulphonate)
CAS Number: 8061-52-7 (Also referenced as 104782-63-0) Molecular Formula: C20H24CaO10S2
Molecular Weight: 528.60 g/mol
Origin: Extracted from the sulfite pulping process of softwood.
1. General Description
Calcium Lignosulfonate is a complex, water-soluble, amorphous polymer. Structurally, it consists of a lignin-derived backbone with sulfonate groups attached to the side chains, stabilized by calcium ions. Due to its excellent dispersive, binding, and plasticizing properties, it is highly valued as an eco-friendly and cost-effective industrial additive. It is completely soluble in water and practically insoluble in organic solvents.
2. Technical Specifications by Grade (Powder)
Green Agrochem categorizes its powdered Calcium Lignosulfonate into three distinct grades based on purity, ash content, and lignin concentration:
| Specification | Grade One (GAC-CaLS-1) | Grade Two (GAC-CaLS-2) | Grade Three (GAC-CaLS-3) |
| Appearance | Light Yellow powder | Yellow Brown powder | Yellow Brown powder |
| pH Value | 4.0 – 7.0 | (Not specified) | (Not specified) |
| Dry Matter | ≥ 95.0% | ≥ 95.0% | ≥ 95.0% |
| Lignosulfonate Content | ≥ 55.0% | ≥ 50.0% | ≥ 50.0% |
| Water-Insoluble | ≤ 1.5% | ≤ 2.0% | ≤ 2.5% |
| Total Calcium & Mag. | 5.0% – 8.0% | 5.0% – 8.0% | 5.0% – 6.0% |
| Sulphate | ≥ 2.0% | ≥ 2.0% | ≥ 2.0% |
| Total Sugar | 9.0% – 10.0% | 9.0% – 12.0% | 10.0% – 12.0% |
| Reducing Sugar | ~ 7.0% | ~ 7.0% | ~ 7.0% |
| Ash Content | ≤ 12.0% | 13.0% – 16.0% | 18.0% – 21.0% |
| Moisture | ≤ 7.0% | ≤ 7.0% | ≤ 7.0% |
3. Technical Specifications (Liquid Form)
Green Agrochem also offers a liquid variant, primarily used for agricultural and dust control applications:
| Specification | Liquid Calcium Lignosulfonate (GAC-CaLS-L) |
| Appearance | Black Liquid |
| Solid Content | ≥ 45.0% |
| Lignosulfonate Content | ≥ 25.0% |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | ≤ 2.0% |
| Sugar Content | ~ 4.0% |
| Density (g/ml) | 1.20 – 1.30 |
4. Primary Applications
According to Green Agrochem’s technical guidelines, Calcium Lignosulfonate is highly versatile across the following industries:
- Concrete & Construction (Water Reducer): Acts as a highly effective plasticizer, reducing the water-cement ratio by 5–15% while improving workability and flow. It also serves as a grinding aid in cement mills and a deflocculant for raw mix slurries.
- Animal Feed & Pelleting Binder: Works as a natural colloid binder. It improves feed pellet durability by up to 20%, reduces dust, and enhances handling. (Recommended inclusion rate: 0.5% to 2%, not exceeding 5% of total blends).
- Dust Control & Soil Stabilization: When sprayed on unpaved roads and mining sites, it binds soil particles together to form a crust-like layer, drastically reducing airborne dust.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: Interacts with the crystallization of lead sulfate, which significantly extends the overall life cycle of the battery.
- Ceramics, Plasterboard, and Refractories: Acts as a filler and binder in ceramic tiles, casting sand, and fiberboards. In plasterboard, it reduces the water required for stucco flow, lowering kiln drying temperatures and saving energy.
- Oil Drilling: Reduces the viscosity of mineral slurries in drilling muds, serving as an eco-friendly replacement for tannic acids.
5. Packaging and Storage
- Packaging: Standard delivery in 25 kg woven bags with PE inner liners. Customized packaging is available upon customer request.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Because it is highly water-soluble and mildly hygroscopic, containers must be kept tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption and caking.
6. Safety and Handling (MSDS Summary)
- Toxicity: Considered non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. It poses a low order of toxicity towards fish and plants.
- Handling Precautions: Wear standard personal protective equipment (PPE), including dust masks and safety glasses, to avoid mild respiratory or eye irritation from airborne powder.
- Fire Hazard: The aqueous solution is non-combustible. Like most organic dusts, heavy concentrations of airborne powder should be kept away from open flames to prevent dust ignition.