Which grade for which step?
Each row lists the first grade we suggest for a trial, the values that matter on its technical data sheet, and an alternative.
| Process step | What the additive does | First choice | Key TDS values | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green strength in pressed tiles and bodies | Holds the pressed body together before firing | Sodium lignosulfonate binder grade | Dry matter 95% min; lignosulfonate 55% min (dry basis); water-insoluble matter 1.5% max; sulphate 2% max | Sodium lignosulfonate ceramics binder grade, liquid (solids 45% min, Brix 50% min) |
| Slip and glaze deflocculation | Lowers slip viscosity so less water is needed | Sodium lignosulfonate dispersant grade | Lignosulfonate 70% min (dry basis); water-insoluble matter 0.5% max; Ca & Mg 0.5% max | Dispersant NNO where a synthetic dispersant is preferred |
| Liquid dosing in the slip house | Ready-to-dose binder and dispersant | Liquid sodium lignosulfonate | Solid content 45% min; lignosulphonate 50% min (dry basis); water-insoluble matter 0.1% max (Grade One) | Liquid sodium lignosulfonate ceramics grade (solids 45% min, pH around 9.0, reducing sugar around 4%) |
| Refractory mixes and shapes | Binder and handling strength in formed refractory material | Calcium lignosulfonate | Moisture 5% max; pH (5% solution) 4–6 | Magnesium lignosulfonate where magnesium is preferred in the mix |
Values are from the current TDS of each grade. Batch results are stated on the COA supplied with each shipment.
How to choose between grades
Sodium or calcium?
Sodium binder and dispersant grades hold calcium and magnesium to 0.5% max, which matters in slips sensitive to added calcium. Calcium grades carry 5–8% total calcium and magnesium (as sulfate) and are used where that is acceptable, for example in some refractory mixes.
Liquid or powder?
Liquids (45% min solids) dose straight into slip by pump. Powders (95% dry matter) are easier to store and to mix into dry bodies before pressing.
Compare reducing sugar
Liquid grades differ in reducing sugar, from around 4% (ceramics grade, Grade Two) to around 14% (Grade Three). Check this value on the TDS when you compare suppliers.
What to send us for a grade recommendation
- Product type: wall tile, floor tile, sanitaryware, refractory brick or castable
- Forming method: pressing, extrusion, slip casting
- Raw materials and current binder or deflocculant
- Target: green strength, slip viscosity or water reduction
- Dosing method: liquid pump or dry mixing
- Monthly volume and packing
Related application guides
Frequently asked questions
Which lignosulfonate is used as a ceramic binder?
Sodium lignosulfonate binder grade is the usual choice: dry matter 95% min, lignosulfonate 55% min on a dry basis and water-insoluble matter 1.5% max.
Can lignosulfonate thin a ceramic slip?
Yes. A sodium dispersant grade (lignosulfonate 70% min, water-insoluble matter 0.5% max) is used as a deflocculant. Confirm the dosage on your own slip.
Does lignosulfonate stay in the fired product?
It is organic and burns out during firing. Check the effect on your firing schedule and on colour in a trial.
Liquid or powder for a tile plant?
Liquid suits plants that dose by pump into slip; powder suits dry mixing before pressing and is cheaper to ship per kilogram of active material.
Ask for TDS, SDS and a grade recommendation
Send your process details and we will reply with the grades to trial and their documents.
Last reviewed 27 October 2026. Specifications from Green Agrochem technical data sheets.