Sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate (SANS) is an anionic surfactant made by sulfonating naphthalene with higher alcohols. It is mainly a wetting agent, and also disperses and emulsifies. It is thermally stable up to 200 °C. LigninCorp supplies it as powder (GAC-SANS-P) and liquid (GAC-SANS-L), with TDS, SDS and a COA for each batch.
Specifications
| Parameter | Powder (GAC-SANS-P) | Liquid (GAC-SANS-L) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Cream to pale yellow powder | Yellow-brown liquid |
| Active content | 60 – 90% | Per batch COA |
| pH | 7.0 – 8.0 (1% solution) | 7.0 – 8.0 (1% solution) |
| Sulfate content | 15 – 30% | 15 – 30% |
| Other | Bulk density 0.50 – 0.70 g/mL; moisture 7.0% max | Viscosity 200 – 1000 mPa·s (25 °C); density 1.10 – 1.30 kg/L; flash point > 100 °C |
| Packing | 25 kg PP bags; 500 kg bags | Bulk; 180 / 200 kg; IBC totes |
| Shelf life | 12 months | 12 months |
Applications (from the TDS)
| Industry | Function |
|---|---|
| Agrochemicals (WP, WDG) | Wetting agent, used with a dispersant such as NNO or a lignosulfonate |
| Textiles | Wetting, levelling and dye-dispersing agent |
| Concrete | Admixture component: workability, dispersibility, air entrainment |
| Ceramics | Batch processing aid and thickening agent |
| Paints and coatings | Wetting agent, dispersant and emulsifier |
| Detergents and cleaners | Surfactant (liquid grade: detergency, anti-redeposition) |
| Oil and gas | Emulsifier, wetting agent and dispersant in drilling fluids |
| Dust control | Dust suppressant |
SANS, BX or NNO?
| Product | Main job |
|---|---|
| SANS (this product) | Wetting agent with dispersing and emulsifying action |
| wetting agent BX (sodium dibutyl naphthalene sulfonate) | Strong wetting agent; light yellow to amber liquid |
| Dispersant NNO (condensate) | Dispersant, not a wetting agent |
Wettable powders normally need both a wetting agent and a dispersant.
Using SANS in a Wettable Powder
- Mill the active ingredient with the dispersant (for example NNO or a lignosulfonate) and carrier.
- Add SANS as the wetting agent and blend evenly.
- Test wetting time: the powder should sink and wet quickly when added to water.
- Test suspensibility after dilution and adjust the wetting agent and dispersant levels.
Packing, Storage and Safety
- Powder: 25 kg PP bags or 500 kg bags. Liquid: bulk, 180 / 200 kg drums or IBC totes.
- Store dry and cool, out of direct sunlight; shelf life 12 months.
- Avoid dust inhalation and skin or eye contact; wear a dust mask and gloves. See the SDS.
Checks on Receipt
- Compare the COA with the TDS for each listed item.
- Check appearance and that the bags or containers are sealed and dry.
- Make a 1% solution in water and look for undissolved matter.
- Measure pH of the solution and compare with the TDS range.
- Keep a retained sample of each batch for later comparison.
Ordering
Tell us the form (powder or liquid), application, quantity and destination port. We send TDS, SDS and a sample on request. Contact info@greenagrochem.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sodium alkyl naphthalene sulphonate used for?
Mainly as a wetting agent in agrochemicals, textiles and paints, and as a dispersant, emulsifier and detergent component.
Is alkyl naphthalene sulfonate a dispersant or a wetting agent?
Mainly a wetting agent. It also disperses, but formulations normally add a dispersant such as NNO.
What is the active content?
Powder 60 – 90%; liquid per batch COA. Sulfate 15 – 30% for both (TDS).
How is the powder packed?
25 kg PP bags or 500 kg bags; shelf life 12 months.

