Sodium Lignosulfonate (CAS No. 8061-51-6) is a highly versatile, water-soluble, yellow-brown bio-polymer. Derived from natural wood lignin, it is a sustainable byproduct of the paper industry’s sulfite pulping process.
1. Key Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Standard Range | Procurement & Operational Context |
| Appearance | Yellow-brown to light brown powder | Should have a mild, slightly aromatic woody odor. |
| Purity (Lignosulfonate) | 50% – 65% | Standard grade. (Note: Highly refined specialty grades can exceed 90%). |
| Dry Matter | 94% – 96% | Ensures you are not paying to ship excess water weight. |
| Moisture Content | 4% – 7% | Powder is highly hygroscopic; excess moisture causes severe clumping. |
| Reducing Sugars | 5% – 8% | Critical to monitor if using as a concrete admixture (sugars retard setting times). |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | < 1% – 2% | Ensures clean mixing without clogging irrigation or spray equipment. |
- Standard Packaging: Typically supplied in 25 kg (55.1 lbs) moisture-proof bags. Heavy industry bulk options include 500 kg (1,102 lbs) or 1 Metric Ton (2,204 lbs) jumbo FIBC super-sacks.
2. Global Sourcing and Pricing Dynamics
You can procure Sodium Lignosulfonate globally, with the heaviest manufacturing concentrations in China, India, Russia, and North America.
- Average Pricing: Global wholesale prices typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per kg ($0.23 to $0.45 per lb), depending on origin and volume.
3. Pre-Purchase Considerations
Before issuing a Purchase Order, vet the product against your specific operational needs:
- Safety and Handling: While 100% non-toxic and biodegradable, the fine powder presents a minor inhalation hazard. Facility workers should handle it in well-ventilated areas wearing standard dust masks.
5. Potential Operational Challenges
- Warehouse Storage: Because Sodium Lignosulfonate absorbs ambient moisture, bags must remain tightly sealed in a climate-controlled warehouse to prevent the powder from solidifying into unusable blocks.
