Magnesium lignosulfonate benefits for industrial users come from its dispersing and binding properties, its water solubility and its availability as powder or liquid. This page lists the benefits and the limits you should test.
Benefits and Limits by Use
| Use | Benefit | Limit to test |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete | Less water for the same workability | Set retardation, air content |
| Cement plants | Grinding aid, lower slurry viscosity | Dose by plant trial |
| Binders (ore, coal, ceramics) | Green and dry strength | Water-soluble; burns out on firing |
| Dispersants | Stable suspensions | Compatibility with other ingredients |
| Dust control | Binds surface fines | Washes out in heavy rain |
| Feed (Feed Grade) | Pellet binder | EU 8,000 – 10,000 mg/kg limit |
Practical Benefits for Buyers
- Readily soluble in water; easy to dose.
- Not classified as hazardous under normal industrial handling (SDS).
- Powder keeps 24 months unopened; liquid 12 months.
- Made from a by-product of wood pulping.
Compared With Calcium and Sodium Grades
| 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 |
Grade Data
| 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 |
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 benefits of magnesium lignosulfonate?
It disperses particles, binds powders and dissolves readily in water, which makes it useful in concrete, cement, binders, dispersants and dust control.
Does magnesium lignosulfonate reduce dust?
It binds surface fines and is listed for dust suppression in the TDS. How long it lasts depends on traffic and rain.
Is magnesium lignosulfonate safe to handle?
The SDS classifies it as not hazardous under normal industrial handling; avoid breathing the dust.
Is magnesium lignosulfonate environmentally friendly?
It is made from a pulping by-product and the SDS expects it to biodegrade more readily than synthetic dispersants, but it adds organic load to water; keep it out of waterways.
Is magnesium lignosulfonate cheaper than synthetic dispersants?
Lignosulfonates are generally lower in cost than synthetic dispersants; compare at equal performance in your system.
