Lignosulfonate liquid is lignosulfonate supplied as a concentrated water solution, ready to pump and dose. Lignosulfonates are a family of water-soluble polymers made from wood lignin during sulfite pulping, sold as sodium, calcium, potassium, ammonium and magnesium salts. In liquid form they are typically supplied at about 45% solids. This page explains what lignosulfonates are, which liquid grades exist, what they are used for in industry and how to buy them.
What Are Lignosulfonates?
Lignin is the natural polymer that binds wood fibres together. In sulfite pulping, wood is cooked with a sulfite solution: the lignin is sulfonated, becomes water-soluble and is separated from the cellulose. The recovered material is lignosulfonate (also written lignosulphonate). It is not a single molecule but a mixture of branched aromatic polymer chains carrying sulfonate groups, which make it anionic and surface-active.
These properties explain the main uses: lignosulfonates disperse particles (cement, clay, dyes, pesticides), bind powders into pellets and briquettes, and form a tacky film when they dry. The salt (counter-ion) is chosen for the application: sodium and calcium for most industrial uses, potassium and ammonium where the nutrient value is wanted.
Liquid Lignosulfonate Grades
| Grade (code) | Solids | Lignosulphonate (dry basis) | pH | Reducing sugar | Water-insoluble |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Grade One (GAC-NaLS-L) | 45% min | 50% min | 7.0 – 11.0 | around 7% | 1% max |
| Sodium Grade Two (GAC-NaLS-L-2) | 45% min | 50% min | 9.0 – 13.0 | around 4% | 2.5% max |
| Sodium Grade Three (GAC-NaLS-L-3) | 45% min | 50% min (w/w) | 4.0 – 7.0 | around 14% | 2.5% max |
| Calcium general (GAC-CaLS-L) | 45% min | 45% min | around 5.0 | around 4% | 2% max |
| Calcium acidic (CaLS-L-Acidic) | 45% min | 55% min | 4.0 – 6.0 | around 12% | 1.5% max |
| Potassium (GAC-KLS-L), K₂O 8 – 10% | 45% min | 45% min | 4.0 – 7.0 | around 4% | 2.5% max |
| Ammonium acidic (GAC-NHLS-L-ACD), N 3 – 5% | 45% min | 50% min | 4.0 – 6.0 | around 15% | 2.5% max |
| Ammonium alkaline (GAC-NHLS-L-ALK), N 3 – 5% | 45% min | 50% min | 8.0 – 10.0 | around 10% | 2% max |
Lignosulphonate content of liquids is stated on a dry basis. To get the content as supplied, multiply by the solids: a 45% solids liquid with 50% lignosulphonate (dry basis) contains about 22.5% lignosulphonate as supplied.
Industrial Uses
The technical data sheets of our liquid grades list these uses:
- 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
| Industry | Guide |
|---|---|
| Concrete | liquid lignosulfonate concrete plasticizer, workability trials |
| Dust control | sodium dust control liquid, calcium dust control liquid |
| Ceramics | liquid sodium lignosulfonate for ceramics |
| Dispersants | liquid lignosulfonate as a dispersing agent |
| Grade choice | liquid lignosulfonate grades compared, liquid vs powder |
Liquid or Powder?
Liquid suits plants that dose through pumps and use large volumes; it avoids dust and dissolving. Powder suits long transport, small volumes and cold climates, because it carries no water and keeps longer. Compare offers on the cost per tonne of dry solids delivered. Detailed comparison: liquid vs powder sodium lignosulfonate.
Buying Liquid Lignosulfonates
- Name the grade by product code, not just “lignosulfonate liquid”.
- Ask for the TDS, SDS and a recent COA; check solids, insolubles, pH and sugar.
- Agree packing (IBC, flexitank or tanker) and freeze protection in transit.
- Plan storage within the 12-month shelf life given in the TDS.
- Test a sample in your own process before ordering in bulk.
Receiving and storage checks: liquid sodium lignosulfonate receiving and storage. Industrial supply: liquid sodium lignosulfonate Grade One.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are lignosulfonates?
Water-soluble anionic polymers made from wood lignin during sulfite pulping. They are sold as sodium, calcium, potassium, ammonium and magnesium salts and used as dispersants and binders.
What is lignosulfonate liquid?
Lignosulfonate supplied as a water solution, typically about 45% solids, for pumping and direct dosing.
What is lignosulfonate used for?
Mainly as a concrete plasticizer, dust suppressant, binder for ores, coal and ceramics, and dispersant for dyes, pesticides and carbon black.
What is the difference between sodium and calcium lignosulfonate liquid?
Both work in similar ways. Sodium grades are preferred where calcium ions are unwanted; calcium grades are common in concrete and dust control.
How long can lignosulfonate liquid be stored?
The TDS gives 12 months from manufacture in sealed containers, protected from freezing.
