Product Name: Sodium Lignosulfonate(Sodium Lignosulphonate)
Synonyms: Lignosulfonic acid sodium salt, Sodium lignosulphonate
CAS Number: 8061-51-6
Chemical Nature: Water-soluble, anionic, polymeric surfactant (derived from the sulfite wood pulping process).
1. General Description
Sodium Lignosulfonate is an eco-friendly, biodegradable, and non-toxic natural biopolymer. It typically appears as a free-flowing, yellow-brown to brown powder that is highly soluble in water. Thanks to its excellent dispersing, binding, and chelating properties, it is widely utilized across various industrial sectors, most notably as a concrete plasticizer and agricultural binder.
2. Physical and Chemical Specifications
The following table outlines the typical commercial specifications for industrial-grade sodium lignosulfonate:
| Specification | Grade One (GAC-NaLS-1) | Grade Two (GAC-NaLS-2) | Grade Three (GAC-NaLS-3) | Super Grade (GAC-NaLS-Super) |
| Appearance | Yellow Brown powder | Brown powder | Brown powder | Black powder |
| pH Value | 7.0 – 9.5 | 9.0 – 13.0 | 4.0 – 7.0 | ~ 9.0 |
| Dry Matter | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% | ≥ 95% |
| Lignosulfonate | ≥ 55% | ≥ 60% | ≥ 50% | ≥ 95% |
| Water-Insoluble | ≤ 1.5% | ≤ 2.0% | ≤ 2.0% | ≤ 0.5% |
| Reducing Sugar | ≤ 7% | ≤ 7% | ≥ 10% | Low / Negligible |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 7% | ≤ 7% | ≤ 7% | ≤ 7% |
| Water Reducing Capacity | ≥ 8% | ≥ 5% | ≥ 8% | – |
| Calcium & Magnesium | ≤ 0.5% | ≤ 0.5% | ~ 5.0% | ≤ 0.5% |
| Sulphate | 2 – 5% | 1 – 2% | – | – |
3. Technical Specifications (Liquid Form)
The liquid variant is pre-dissolved and highly convenient for direct addition into concrete batching, dust control spraying, and liquid fertilizer formulations:
| Specification | Liquid Sodium Lignosulfonate (GAC-NaLS-L) |
| Appearance | Black Liquid |
| Solid Content | ≥ 45.0% |
| Lignosulfonate Content | ≥ 25.0% |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | ≤ 2.5% |
| Sugar Content | ~ 4.0% |
| Density (g/ml) | 1.20 – 1.30 |
4.Primary Applications (What is Sodium Lignosulfonate used for?)
Due to its versatile chemical structure—containing sulfonic acid, carboxyl, and phenolic hydroxyl groups—sodium lignosulfonate offers a broad range of industrial applications:
- Construction (Concrete Admixture): Acts as a highly effective water reducer (plasticizer). It improves concrete workability, reduces water demand by 8–10%, retards initial setting time, and increases final compressive strength.
- Animal Feed (Pellet Binder): Used as a natural, non-toxic binder in the extrusion of animal feed pellets to improve pellet durability, reduce dust, and optimize the digestion process.
- Agriculture: Serves as a highly efficient dispersant for wettable powder (WP) pesticides and as a chelating agent for micronutrient liquid fertilizers.
- Ceramics and Refractories: Improves the fluidity of ceramic slurries, reduces water content, and significantly increases the green strength of the final ceramic bodies.
- Dust Control and Soil Stabilization: Sprayed onto unpaved roads and construction sites to bind surface dust particles and stabilize the soil structure.
5. Packaging and Storage
- Packaging: Standard packaging includes 25 kg PP woven bags with PE inner liners, or bulk 500 kg / 600 kg jumbo bags.
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse. Protect from direct sunlight, heavy moisture, and extreme temperatures.
- Shelf Life: Minimum 24 months from the manufacturing date when stored correctly in original, unopened packaging.
- Hygroscopicity Note: This material is mildly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air). Partially used bags should be tightly resealed immediately to prevent lumping and caking.
6. Safety and Handling (HSE)
- Hazard Classification: Classified as non-hazardous and non-toxic under current GHS/CLP regulations. Safe for general transport and handling.
- Protective Equipment: To prevent respiratory and eye irritation from fine powder, standard PPE (dust mask, safety goggles, and gloves) is recommended during handling.
- First Aid: In case of eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water.