Ammonium lignosulfonate liquid is a water-soluble lignosulfonate solution derived from the sulfite pulping process, supplied at 45% min solids in our acidic and alkaline grades. It is used industrially as a binder, dispersant and stabilizing agent across a range of applications including construction materials, dust control, ceramics, batteries and wood products.
What it is
The liquid is produced from spent sulfite pulping liquor, where lignin separated from wood cellulose during paper production is sulfonated and reacted with an ammonium compound to yield a water-soluble ammonium lignosulfonate solution. It is typically a yellow-brown to dark-brown liquid with a syrup-like viscosity, generally odorless, and mildly acidic (pH in the range of approximately 4–6 for most commercial grades, though this varies by supplier and grade — confirm against the current TDS).
Industrial applications
Concrete and cement production — used as a water-reducing admixture in concrete, typically dosed as a small percentage of cement weight per the supplier’s grade-specific TDS, and as a grinding aid in cement manufacturing. Also used in gypsum board production to improve material consistency.
Dust control — applied to unpaved roads, mine sites and construction areas as a binder that helps suppress airborne dust by binding fine particles at the surface.
Ceramics — used as a binder and deflocculation aid in ceramic body formulations; effect on green strength and slurry flow is formulation-specific and should be trialed against the target body composition.
Batteries — used as an expander-type additive in lead-acid battery paste formulations; see lignosulfonate’s broader use in battery applications for further detail.
Wood products — used as a binder component in particle board and similar engineered wood products.
Oil and gas drilling — used as an additive in water-based drilling fluids to help control rheological properties.
Coal-water slurry — used as a dispersant to help stabilize coal-water mixtures for pipeline transport.
Handling and storage
Store in a cool, well-ventilated place, protect from freezing and keep containers closed (TDS). As with any industrial chemical, consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full handling, storage and first-aid guidance before use, and use standard PPE (gloves, eye protection) when handling concentrated liquid.
Grade selection
Ammonium lignosulfonate liquid composition and performance vary by source wood, production process and supplier. Dosage and performance figures reported for one application or formulation do not necessarily transfer to a different system — request the applicable TDS, SDS and representative COA, and run a trial with your specific formulation before full-scale qualification.
Agricultural and horticultural formulations of ammonium lignosulfonate are handled by our sister site ChinaLignin; feed-grade and pellet-binder applications are handled by LigninChina.
Ammonium Liquid Grades
| Grade (code) | Solids | Lignosulphonate (dry basis) | pH | Reducing sugar | Nitrogen (N) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acidic (GAC-NHLS-L-ACD) | 45% min | 50% min | 4.0 – 6.0 | around 15% | 3 – 5% |
| Alkaline (GAC-NHLS-L-ALK) | 45% min | 50% min | 8.0 – 10.0 | around 10% | 3 – 5% |
| Fertilizer grade (GAC-NHLS-FERT) | 50% min | 50% min | 4.0 – 7.0 | — | 3 – 5% |
Uses Listed in the TDS
- Plasticizer in concrete and cement grinding aid
- Raw-mix slurry deflocculant in cement manufacturing
- Dust suppressant for unpaved roads and dusty processes
- Binder for iron ore fines, lead and zinc powder, coal, coke and mineral pellets
- Filler and binder in ceramic tiles, fiberboard, casting sand and feed pellets
- Dispersant for pesticides, dyes and carbon black
- Expander in lead-acid battery plates
- Viscosity reducer in drilling mud
- Water-reducing additive in plasterboard
The fertilizer grade is for agricultural use; see lignosulfonate in fertilizers. Compare with other salts: liquid lignosulfonate grades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ammonium lignosulfonate liquid?
The ammonium salt of lignosulfonate supplied as a solution of 45% min solids. It contains about 3 – 5% nitrogen.
What is the difference between acidic and alkaline ammonium lignosulfonate?
pH (4.0 – 6.0 vs 8.0 – 10.0) and sugar (around 15% vs around 10%). Choose by the pH your process tolerates.
What is ammonium lignosulfonate used for?
As a binder and dispersant in construction, dust control, ceramics, ore and coal binding, and as a nitrogen-containing base for fertilizers.
