Lignosulfonic acid sodium salt comes from the sulfite pulping of wood. You find this substance in a range of industries, and its value traces back to its origins—lignin from trees, processed and modified to unlock new chemical properties. Lignosulfonic acid sodium salt is a complex molecule, heavy on sulfonate groups, and built around a backbone of aromatic polymers from wood lignin. Its core structure lets it dissolve in water, bind to metals, and interact with minerals in a range of formulations. This material shows up as a brown to dark brown substance—sometimes solid as flakes or powder, sometimes in shiny pearls, or mixed into a concentrated liquid solution.
This substance stands out for being highly soluble in water due to its polar sulfonate groups. It is often manufactured as a solid that can easily be dispersed, ranging from fine powder to coarse flakes. Pearls and crystal forms highlight its adaptability in manufacturing processes. The molecular formula varies slightly depending on raw materials, but its backbone features C, H, O, Na, and S in linked organic units. Molecular weight can swing widely, typically between 20,000 and 50,000 Daltons, as this is a mixture rather than a single molecule. Its density as a solid measures about 0.5-0.65 g/cm³, while its solutions range depending on concentration. Users working with lignosulfonic acid sodium salt appreciate its large specific surface area, which contributes to its dispersing and binding behavior.
Quality specifications for this product revolve around purity level, sodium ion content, ash percentage, pH value, and water content. Expect sodium oxide content sitting around 10–12% depending on application needs. Moisture typically falls below 8% in solid forms, and ash content should stay under 10%. pH of a ten percent aqueous solution usually ranges from 7 to 9. Manufacturers measure viscosity, bulk density, and water solubility to set product grades for various uses. The international HS Code assigned for shipping and customs is 3804000090. Meeting these specs is key in ensuring the material brings reliable chemical performance wherever it’s used, from construction to agriculture.
This product sells as loose powder, dense flakes, granulated pearls, concentrated liquids, and sometimes in crystal form. Different formats match how industries use it. The powder and flakes mix easily with dry materials or can dissolve into water for liquid blends. Pearls and liquids work well for dosing in automated processes. Lignosulfonic acid sodium salt plays a surprising number of roles: it works as a dispersant to keep particles apart in concrete, ceramics, and dyes, a binder for pelletizing minerals, a plasticizer to soften mixes, and even as an additive in animal feed. The flexibility in shape and solubility keeps it relevant in sectors changing fast and chasing greater efficiency.
Sourcing lignosulfonic acid sodium salt starts with wood chips or pulping residues, giving it an edge for those looking for bio-based alternatives to petrochemical options. Raw material purity and careful chemical conversion are vital, since trace contaminants might affect downstream use or worker safety. This compound holds a generally safe profile compared to many chemicals, though fine powders can trigger dust inhalation risks, and high concentrations may be mildly irritating to some users. The US and EU classify it as not hazardous under most workplace standards; standard PPE—gloves, goggles, dust masks—are wise during handling. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) highlight low acute toxicity and very low environmental hazard. Still, no one wants to ignore best practice where bulk material handling is involved.
The wettability, molecular weight, and density properties open up a lot of doors in manufacturing and materials science. These traits drive the value in modern concrete, where a good dispersant can make or break slump, strength, and workability. In ceramic tile plants, a solid granulometry and water solubility help control particle behavior, reducing waste and increasing yield. Even livestock feed integrators, not the first folks you’d think of as chemical buyers, use this sodium salt for pellet binding—using its sticky, soluble texture to press together crushed grains. Understanding the full spread from powder to liquid makes all the difference for production managers aiming for cost control and process repeatability.
Chemists describe lignosulfonic acid sodium salt by its functional groups: -SO3Na attached onto a lignin base. The material’s repeating units grow out of the original tree lignin, now carrying multiple sodium sulfonate arms. That heavy negative charge gives it a knack for water binding, dispersion, and chelation—handy skills for many chemical applications. Molecular models reflect tangled, high-mass chains studded with sulfonate and hydroxyl groups, contributing to its surface chemistry and complex flow behavior. People who design new additives and admixtures often rely on this structure to unlock fresh solutions in their industries.
Weight for weight, products with a clear density figure help users calculate transport costs, mixing ratios, and even waste output. A dry bulk density near 0.6 g/cm³ makes bagged or bulk-packed powder relatively light for shipping. Solution grades are easier to handle in automated factories, shipping at known concentrations—often 40–50% by weight. Keeping a handle on consistent molecular features matters even more as end-users look to predict and control process results. Advanced processing and smarter raw material selection now lend a lot more control over the sodium salt’s finished performance. Looking forward, increasing demand and regulatory changes keep manufacturers pushing for cleaner, safer, and even more flexible grades of lignosulfonic acid sodium salt.
