Magnesium lignosulfonate application guide: where it is applied, how it is added, and which grade to start with. Uses are those listed in our Grade One TDS.
Applications and How It Is Added
| Application | How it is added | Starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | With the mix water or in an admixture blend | 0.20 – 0.30% of cement weight, by trial |
| Cement milling | At the mill as a grinding aid; in raw-mix slurry as a deflocculant | By plant trial |
| Lead-acid batteries | In the negative-plate paste | Per battery formulation |
| Ceramics and foundry sand | In the slip, body or sand mix | By trial; burns out on firing |
| Ore fines, coal, coke | As a solution mixed before pelletizing or briquetting | By trial against a control |
| Pesticides, dyes, carbon black | As a dispersant in the formulation | By trial |
| Drilling mud | Added to water-based mud as a thinner | By mud test |
| Plasterboard | In the gypsum slurry as a water reducer | By trial |
Choosing a Grade
| Grade (code) | Form | Lignosulphonate (dry basis) | pH | Other key values |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade One (GAC-MgLS-1) | Yellow-brown powder | 55% min | 4 – 7 | Total Mg + Ca 8% min; insolubles 1.0% max; reducing matter 7% min |
| Grade Two (GAC-MgLS-2) | Powder | 50% min | around 10 | Total Mg + Ca 5% min; insolubles 1.5% max |
| Liquid (GAC-MgLS-L) | Liquid, about 45% solids | 50% min | — | Insolubles 1% max; reducing sugar about 7% |
| Feed Grade (GAC-MgLS-Feed) | Light to dark brown powder | 55% min | 4.5 – 6.5 | Pb 10, As 3, Cd 1 mg/kg max; Salmonella negative in 25 g |
Trial Checklist
- Get the TDS, SDS and a sample with COA.
- Run a control without lignosulfonate.
- Test at least three doses.
- Measure the property that matters for your process.
- Fix the dose and the incoming acceptance tests.
Product and documents: magnesium lignosulfonate product page.
Magnesium, Calcium and Sodium Compared
| Property (Grade One) | Magnesium (GAC-MgLS-1) | Calcium (GAC-CaLS-1) | Sodium (GAC-NaLS-1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAS | 8061-54-9 | 8061-52-7 | 8061-51-6 |
| Lignosulphonate (dry basis) | 55% min | 55% min | 55% min |
| Ca + Mg | 8% min (total Mg + Ca) | 5 – 8% | 0.5% max |
| Water-insoluble matter | 1.0% max | 1.5% max | 1.5% max |
| pH | 4 – 7 | — | 7.0 – 9.5 (10% solution) |
| Moisture | 5% max | 5% max | 5% max |
Packing and Storage
- Powder: 25 kg lined woven bags or 500 – 600 kg jumbo bags; 24 months unopened; keep dry and reseal opened bags.
- Liquid: flexitank, IBC or drums; 12 months; protect from freezing.
- Keep away from strong oxidizers, acids and bases (SDS).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the applications of magnesium lignosulfonate?
Concrete and cement additives, battery expanders, binders for ceramics, foundry sand, ores and coal, dispersants, drilling-mud thinners and plasterboard.
How is magnesium lignosulfonate applied?
Usually dissolved in water and added with the process water, or as a liquid; the dose is set by trial.
Which grade should I start with?
Grade One for most applications; Grade Two for alkaline systems; the liquid for pumped dosing.
Is magnesium lignosulfonate used in batteries?
Yes, as an expander in the negative plates of lead-acid batteries.
Can it be used in plasterboard?
Yes, as a water-reducing additive in the gypsum slurry, which the TDS notes allows lower kiln drying temperatures.
