July 22, 2024 admin BLOG What sodium lignosulfonate? Sodium lignosulfonate is a byproduct obtained from the sulfite pulping process in the paper/pulp industry. In the sulfite pulping process, lignin is separated from wood materials using sulfurous acid or calcium bisulfite. This generates lignosulfonic acid as a byproduct. Sodium lignosulfonate consists of the sodium salts of this lignosulfonic acid. It contains sodium ions bonded to sulfonate groups on the lignin polymer. Its chemical formula is C6H6O4S2Na. It is a light to dark brown, water-soluble powder with a slight sulfurous odor. It is made up of polydisperse polymers with a wide range of molecular weights between 1000-50000 g/mol. The polymer backbone consists of phenylpropane units. Sulfonation occurs on these units, making it highly hydrophilic. This structure gives it excellent dispersing, emulsifying and stabilizing properties useful in many industrial applications. It is commonly used as a dispersant, surfactant, binder and thickening agent. Main applications include concrete admixtures, ceramics, mining, agriculture, oil drilling etc. As a concrete admixture, it acts as a water reducer and plasticizer to improve workability. Sodium lignosulfonate is non-toxic, biodegradable and considered GRAS status by FDA for use in some foods. Chemical formula – C6H6O4S2Na It is a byproduct obtained from the sulfite pulping process in the paper industry. Lignin from wood is separated using sulfite and the byproduct obtained is sodium lignosulfonate. It consists of sodium salts of lignosulfonic acid. Sulfonate groups make it water-soluble. It is a polydisperse polymer with a molar mass between 1000-50000 g/mol. The structure consists of sulfonated phenylpropane units. Commercially available as a dark brown water-soluble powder with sulfurous odor. Used as a dispersing agent, binder, emulsifier, etc. due to its surfactant properties. Common applications include concrete admixtures, oil well drilling, dust suppression, ceramics processing, agricultural applications, etc. As concrete admixture, it improves workability and strength. Acts as a water reducer and set retarder. Other uses – thickening agent, suspending agent, scale inhibitor, anti-caking agent, etc. Considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use in foods. Biodegradable and has low toxicity, hence widely used in various industries. Commodity chemical produced globally in bulk quantities as a pulp industry byproduct.