Lignosulfonates are by-products of the sulfite pulping process, where lignin is extracted from wood and sulfonated to become water-soluble. As an anionic polymer, lignosulfonates exhibit excellent dispersing properties and are widely used as:
- Water-reducing admixtures in concrete (plasticizers)
- Binders in animal feed and pellet production
- Dispersants in pesticides, fertilizers, dyes, oil drilling, ceramics, etc.
ROLE IN CONCRETE
In concrete applications, lignosulfonates function as dispersants for cement particles, helping to:
- Reduce water demand by typically 5–12%
- Improve workability (higher slump)
- Increase final compressive strength by lowering water-to-cement ratio
- Enhance concrete pumpability and ease of placement
However, high dosages or low temperatures may cause delayed setting time.
- Most common type used in concrete admixtures
- Light to dark brown color
- Improves plasticity and reduces water
- Also used as binder or dust suppressant
- Better water solubility
- Easy to handle in liquid form
- Effective dispersant for cement and fly ash
- Mainly used in oil drilling fluids and water treatment
- Unique chemical and biological properties
PACKAGING AND STORAGE
- Powder form:
- Easy to store and transport
- Typically packed in 25 kg kraft paper bags or 500–1000 kg jumbo bags
- Liquid form:
- Ready-to-use solutions for large-scale production
- Requires careful storage away from high temperatures and direct sunlight
CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A LIGNOSULFONATE SUPPLIER
1. Product Quality
- Dry matter content: typically 90–95% for powder
- pH range: 4.0 – 7.5
- Verified water reduction rate: minimum 8–12% as per ASTM C494 Type A
- Low air entrainment to avoid reduced strength
2. Certifications and Standards
- Quality management certifications such as ISO 9001, SGS, TUV, or CE marking
- Accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
3. Supply Capacity
- Reliable and consistent supply for long-term projects
- Fast delivery with options for export or local shipment
4. Technical Support and After-Sales Service
- Assistance with mix design and dosage optimization
- Provision of free samples for testing
- Support with quality control during intake
5. Pricing and Commercial Terms
- Competitive and transparent pricing
- Discounts for bulk orders
SOURCES TO FIND SUPPLIERS
- International Industrial Marketplaces
- Alibaba.com, Made-in-China.com, GlobalSources.com
- Search keywords: “lignosulfonate for concrete admixture”
- Trade Shows and Industry Exhibitions
- Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)
- Chemtech, ArabLab, etc.
- Local Distributors and Chemical Suppliers
- Companies specializing in construction chemicals and concrete admixtures
- Regional agents or wholesalers
RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN SELECTING A SUPPLIER
- Always request samples for lab testing with your cement before bulk purchasing
- Sign a clear contract covering delivery timeframes and quality warranty
- Maintain at least two backup suppliers to avoid production disruption