Sodium lignosulfonate

Sodium lignosulfonate (CAS 8061-51-6), also known by the trade designations Maracell C and FL41055, is a water-soluble anionic polymer derived from sulfite pulping of wood.

Where is Sodium lignosulfonate used?

• Concrete and cement: plasticizer and water reducer improving workability without increasing water content
• Agrochemicals: dispersant for active ingredients in wettable powder and suspension concentrate pesticide formulations
• Mining: dust suppressant and ore flotation aid
• Tanneries and textile dyehouses: dispersant for tanning agents and dyes
• It reduces operational dust loads on haul roads and processing sites.
• In water treatment, acts as a coagulation aid, scale inhibitor, and heavy metal sequestrant.
• Used as a drilling mud additive to help suspend and stabilize drilling mud.
• Can be used in lead batteries to act on crystallization of the lead sulfate, thus increasing the battery's lifetime.

Good to know: Technical grade is the standard commercial form, with purity and performance typically defined by dispersibility, pH, and sulfonate content rather than pharmacopeial standards like USP or FCC. Specifications vary by molecular weight distribution and degree of sulfonation, which affect performance in concrete admixtures versus agricultural dispersants.

Formulation notes

• The optimal dosage in cement is typically 0.1-0.5% by weight of cement.
• Liquor additive made from sodium lignosulfonate and naphthalene-based high-efficiency water reducer has almost no precipitate product.
• Reacts with amines and inorganic hydroxides.
• Highly water-soluble and often supplied as a liquid concentrate or soluble powder, unlike calcium lignosulfonate which is less soluble and typically sold as partially soluble powder.

Typical specification

• Liquid has a minimum dry matter fraction of 55-60%.
• Ash content of approximately 21%.
• Grade One has a lignosulphonate content of at least 55%.

Regulatory status

• Classified under HS code 3804.00 worldwide.
• The TARIC code is 3804.00.00.10.
• Not classified as dangerous goods under transport regulations.
• REACH compliant and not subject to registration.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.