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Lignin sulfonate is produced when lignin, a major structural component of plant cell walls, is chemically modified with sulfonate groups during the treatment of wood chips with sulfite salts.
Lignin sulfonate consists of a highly heterogeneous mixture of molecules with a broad distribution of molecular weights and contains a rich variety of functional groups, such as phenolic hydroxyls, carboxyl groups, and sulfonic groups.
Due to their multifunctional properties, lignin sulfonates are used in construction as water reducers in concrete, in agriculture as binders and dispersants, in petroleum drilling fluids as thinners, and in many other industrial sectors.
CAS number: 8062-15-5
EC number: 617-129-9
Synonyms: 3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonic acid, Lignosulfonic acid, LIGNOSULFONIC ACID, 8062-15-5, 3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonic acid, CALCIUM-LIGNIN SULFONATE, SCHEMBL21563979, 3-(2-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfopropyl)phenoxy]-1-propanesulfonic acid, Lignosulfate, Lignin sulfonate, Lignosulfonic acid, lignosulfuric acid, LIGNOsulfonate, LIGNINsulfonate, LIGNOSULPHONICACID, Lignin sulfonate (aqueous), Ligninsulfonic acid, Aids000665, Aids-000665, Ameribond 2x, Indulin sn, Ls, Lst 7, Poly(lignosulfonic acid), TIANFU-CHEM CAS NO.8062-15-5, Sodium lignosulfonate, 8061-51-6, FT-0627853, LIGNOSULFONIC ACID, 8062-15-5, 3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonic acid, CALCIUM-LIGNIN SULFONATE, SCHEMBL21563979, 3-(2-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfopropyl)phenoxy]-1-propanesulfonic acid, Lignosulfonic acid, sodium salt, (2R)-3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfonatopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonate, disodium (2R)-3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfonatopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonate, disodium;(2R)-3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfonatopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonate, disodium;3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfonatopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonate, Lignosulfonic acid sodium salt, Lignosulfonic acid, sodium salt, lignosulfonic acid, sodium salt, not applicable, sodium fluoride, Sodium Ligninsulfonate, Sodium ligninsulfonate, sodium ligninsulfonate, SODIUM LIGNOSULFONATE, Sodium lignosulfonate, sodium lignosulfonate, Sodium Lignosulphate, sodium lignosulphate, Sodium Lignosulphonate, Sodium lignosulphonate, Lignosulfonic acid sodium salt, lignosulphonates sodium, Lignosulphonic Acid, Sodium Salt, MF, Sodium Ligninsulfonate, Sodium ligno sulphonate, Sodium lignosulfonate, Sodium lignosulphate, Sodium lignosulphonate, 8061-51-6
Lignin sulfonate is a natural material derived from lignin.
Lignin sulfonate is a by-product of the wood pulping process that is known for its binding, dispersing, and emulsifying properties.
Lignin sulfonates have a wide variety of applications.
In agriculture, lignin sulfonate can be used as part of crop production as a plant and soil amendment and a floatation agent.
Lignin sulfonate can also be used as a pellet binder.
Lignin sulfonates (LS) are water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte polymers: they are byproducts from the production of wood pulp using sulfite pulping.
Lignin sulfonate, also known as lignosulfonate, is a complex, water-soluble, anionic polyelectrolyte polymer derived from the sulfite pulping process of wood.
Lignin sulfonate is produced when lignin, a major structural component of plant cell walls, is chemically modified with sulfonate groups during the treatment of wood chips with sulfite salts.
The resulting compound appears as a brownish powder or a dark viscous liquid, depending on its form and degree of purification, and is characterized by excellent dispersibility in water.
Lignin sulfonates are highly versatile materials with a diverse molecular weight distribution and a rich functional group chemistry, including hydroxyl, carboxyl, and sulfonic acid groups.
This structure imparts them with unique properties such as binding ability, dispersing capacity, emulsifying action, and complexation with metal ions.
Due to these properties, lignin sulfonates find wide application in industries such as construction (as water-reducing agents in concrete admixtures), agriculture (as binders and dust suppressants), oil drilling (as drilling mud thinners), and animal feed (as pellet binders).
They are also used in tanning, ceramics, textile dyeing, battery manufacturing, and as dispersants for pesticides and fertilizers.
In addition, lignin sulfonates are being explored for more advanced uses, including bio-based materials, carbon fiber precursors, and renewable chemical production, due to their renewable origin and eco-friendly profile.
Despite being largely non-toxic and biodegradable, handling guidelines recommend avoiding inhalation of dust and prolonged skin contact.
Overall, lignin sulfonate is a highly valuable by-product of the pulp and paper industry, combining functional performance with environmental sustainability.
Lignin sulfonate, often referred to simply as lignosulfonate, is a large, complex, anionic polymer that results from the chemical modification of lignin during the sulfite pulping process in the paper and pulp industry.
Lignin itself is one of the three primary components of wood, alongside cellulose and hemicellulose, and serves as the natural binder that gives plants structural rigidity.
During sulfite pulping, wood chips are treated with aqueous solutions of sulfite or bisulfite salts (such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, or ammonium sulfite), which sulfonate the lignin molecules and make them water-soluble.
This sulfonation process introduces sulfonic acid groups (-SO₃H) into the lignin structure, drastically altering its solubility, charge properties, and reactivity.
In its commercial forms, lignin sulfonate appears as a brown to dark brown powder or as a thick, dark liquid, with a distinctive odor.
Lignin sulfonate consists of a highly heterogeneous mixture of molecules with a broad distribution of molecular weights (ranging from several hundred to hundreds of thousands of Daltons), and contains a rich variety of functional groups, such as phenolic hydroxyls, carboxyl groups, and sulfonic groups.
These functional groups confer lignin sulfonates with excellent binding, dispersing, emulsifying, sequestering, and complexing abilities.
Because of these multifunctional properties, lignin sulfonates are considered industrially valuable materials across a wide array of sectors.
In construction, lignin sulfonates are primarily used as plasticizers and water-reducing agents in concrete admixtures, where they improve workability, reduce water usage, and enhance the strength and durability of concrete.
In agriculture, they serve as binders for animal feed pellets, dispersing agents for herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, and as soil stabilizers to control dust and erosion.
In the petroleum industry, lignin sulfonates are important components of drilling mud additives, functioning as thinners that control the viscosity of drilling fluids and improve the efficiency of oil and gas exploration.
Additionally, lignin sulfonates are employed in the textile, ceramics, dye, chemical, and battery industries for their dispersing and binding capabilities.
They are utilized in tanning leather, producing carbon black, and manufacturing lead-acid batteries as expander agents for the battery plates.
Due to their ability to chelate and sequester metal ions, they are also used in water treatment processes and as additives in the flotation of ores.
Environmental sustainability is one of the most appealing aspects of lignin sulfonate use: Lignin sulfonate is a renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic by-product, which aligns with modern ecological and industrial trends aimed at minimizing carbon footprints and waste.
Research and development are increasingly focusing on upgrading lignin sulfonates to high-value bio-based products such as carbon fibers, resins, adhesives, and even bioplastics.
Despite their generally low toxicity, precautions are necessary when handling lignin sulfonates in industrial quantities.
Dust inhalation should be minimized, as fine particulate forms may cause respiratory irritation, and prolonged skin contact should be avoided to prevent potential dryness or irritation.
Storage should be in cool, dry environments in sealed containers to maintain product quality and avoid moisture absorption.
Overall, lignin sulfonate represents a unique convergence of industrial functionality, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility, making it a key material for both traditional industries and future bioeconomy innovations.
Uses of Lignin Sulfonate:
Lignin sulfonate is widely used across numerous industries due to its exceptional binding, dispersing, emulsifying, and chelating properties.
In the construction industry, Lignin sulfonate serves as a plasticizer and water-reducer in concrete mixtures, helping to improve workability while reducing the amount of water needed, which leads to stronger and more durable concrete.
In agriculture, lignin sulfonate is utilized as a binder for animal feed pellets and as a dispersant for herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, ensuring even distribution of active ingredients and enhancing their effectiveness.
The oil and gas industry employs lignin sulfonates as drilling mud thinners, controlling the viscosity of drilling fluids and improving drilling efficiency.
In the ceramics and dye industries, lignin sulfonates act as dispersants for clay slurries and pigments, respectively, promoting smooth, stable mixtures.
They are also used in the chemical industry for the production of vanillin, a key flavoring agent, and as complexing agents in water treatment applications to sequester metal ions.
Moreover, lignin sulfonates find applications in dust suppression on roads and construction sites, carbon black manufacture, battery production as expander agents for lead-acid battery plates, and increasingly in bio-based material development, including resins, adhesives, and potential bioplastics.
Their renewable origin, biodegradability, and multifunctional performance make lignin sulfonates essential across traditional and emerging green industries.
Lignin sulfonate have a wide variety of applications.
Lignin sulfonates are used to stably disperse pesticides, dyes, carbon black, and other insoluble solids and liquids into water.
As a binder Lignin sulfonate suppresses dust on unpaved roads.
Lignin sulfonate is also a humectant and a in water treatment.
Chemically, Lignin sulfonate may be used as a tannin for tanning leather and as a feedstock for a variety of products.
Dispersant:
The single largest use for Lignin sulfonates is as plasticizers in making concrete, where they allow concrete to be made with less water (giving stronger concrete) while maintaining the ability of the concrete to flow.
Lignin sulfonates are also used during the production of cement, where they act as grinding aids in the cement mill and as a rawmix slurry deflocculant (that reduces the viscosity of the slurry).
Lignin sulfonates are also used for the production of plasterboard to reduce the amount of water required to make the stucco flow and form the layer between two sheets of paper.
The reduction in water content allows lower kiln temperatures to dry the plasterboard, saving energy.
The ability of Lignin sulfonates to reduce the viscosity of mineral slurries is used to advantage in oil drilling mud, where it replaced tannic acids from quebracho (a tropical tree).
Also one of the very wide uses of Lignin sulfonates is deflocculation of clays used in drilling fluids in the oil and gas industry.
Furthermore, lignosulphates are being researched for use in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) due to their ability to reduce IFT in foams, allowing for improved sweep efficiency, and hence increased recovery factor.
Binder:
Besides their use as dispersants Lignin sulfonates are also good binders.
Lignin sulfonates are used as binders in well-paper, particle boards, linoleum flooring, coal briquettes, and roads.
Lignin sulfonates also form a constituent of the paste used to coat the lead-antimony-calcium or lead-antimony-selenium grids in a Lead-acid battery.
Aqueous Lignin sulfonate solutions are also widely used as a non-toxic dust suppression agent for unpaved road surfaces, where it is popularly, if erroneously, called "tree sap".
Roads treated with Lignin sulfonates can be distinguished from those treated with calcium chloride by color:
Lignin sulfonates give the road surface a dark grey color, while calcium chloride lend the road surface a distinctive tan or brown color.
As Lignin sulfonates do not rely on water to provide their binding properties, they tend to be more useful in arid locations.
Lignin sulfonateis used as a soil stabilizer
Chemical feedstock:
Oxidation of Lignin sulfonates from softwood trees produced vanillin (artificial vanilla flavor).
Dimethyl sulfide and dimethyl sulfoxide (an important organic solvent) are produced from Lignin sulfonates.
The first step involves heating Lignin sulfonates with sulfides or elemental sulfur to produce dimethyl sulfide.
The methyl groups come from methyl ethers present in the lignin.
Oxidation of dimethyl sulfide with nitrogen dioxide produces dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).
Industry Uses:
Adhesives and sealant chemicals
Consumer Uses:
Adhesives and sealants
Other uses:
The anti-oxidant effect of Lignin sulfonates is utilized in feeds, ensilage and flame retardants.
The UV absorbance of Lignin sulfonates is utilized in sun screens and bio-pesticides.
Lignin sulfonate are used in agriculture as an analogue of humic substances.
As a soil conditioner, Lignin sulfonate is mainly used to enhance the absorption and retention of fertilizers and other nutrients.
Lignin sulfonateis able to chelate minerals while remaining bio-degradable, an improvement compared to EDTA.
Further hydrolysis and oxidation produces a product even more similar to humus, marketed as "lignohumate".
Lignin sulfonate s, also referred to as lignosulfonates or lignin sulphonic salts, are by-products of paper production.
Wood, the base material from which most paper is made, is primarily composed of two types of materials: carbohydrates (such as cellulose and hemicellulose) and lignins.
Lignins are molecularly complex and diverse, and difficult to break down.
They are undesirable within most paper, so the lignin is extracted by cooking the woody material under pressure with sulphite chemicals.
This process produces a liquor containing sulfonated lignin called lignosulfonate.
The liquor is purified through fermentation, which produces alcohol that is removed.
During these processes, the chemicals that are used can create various lignin sulphonic salts, such as sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate or magnesium lignosulfonate.
Ammonium lignosulfonate is prohibited.
Other lignin forms such as lignosulphonic acid, calcium lignosulfonate, magnesium lignosulfonate, sodium lignin and sodium lignosulfonate are permitted.
While lignin sulfonates are identified as permitted substances, there are still questions regarding the forms that are allowed and how they are manufactured.
Lignin sulfonate is restricted to use as a chelating agent, formulant ingredient or dust suppressant under the COR standards.
Chelated micronutrients are widely used to meet nutrient deficiencies in crop production.
Formulants may be used in conjunction with other substances found on the Permitted Substances Lists, and are commonly used in pesticides or fertilizers as inert materials.
Dust suppressants are widely used across agriculture, fertilizer manufacturing and erosion control.
Lignin sulfonate also has a large variety of uses outside the organic industry, including uses in the manufacture of concrete, plasterboard and tanning leather, as a deflocculating agent in linoleum flooring and coal briquettes, and as a fire retardant.
Worldwide, the single largest use of Lignin sulfonates is as water reducers for concrete.
Additional large-volume uses of Lignin sulfonates include animal feed pellet binders, dispersants for gypsum board manufacture, thinners/fluid loss control agents for drilling muds, dispersants/grinding aids for cement manufacture, binders for granulated fertilizers and in dust control applications, particularly road dust abatement, and other specialty dust control applications.
Applications of Lignin Sulfonate:
Lignosulfuric acid is a by-product of the pulp and paper industry.
Worldwide, the single largest use of Lignin sulfonates is as water reducers for concrete.
Additional large-volume uses of Lignin sulfonates include animal feed pellet binders, dispersants for gypsum board manufacture, thinners/fluid loss control agents for drilling muds, dispersants/grinding aids for cement manufacture, binders for granulated fertilizers and in dust control applications, particularly road dust abatement, and other specialty dust control applications.
Lignin sulfonate was extensively studied for its anti-HIV and anti-HSV activity in various cellular assays and demonstrated broad anti-HIV and anti-HSV activity.
Lignin sulfonate has long been recognized as an effective dust control agent for unpaved roads.
Lignin is a co-product of the paper industry and is the “glue” that holds cellulose fibers together in trees.
Lignin is extracted from wood during the pulping process, which makes lignin soluble in water.
The adhesive properties of lignin make it an effective dust control solution.
Lignin sulfonate is considered non-toxic when properly applied, making it safe for wildlife, foliage and waterways surrounding road.
Lignin sulfonate treatment eliminates the sliding hazards of loose dirt and gravel by binding it to a hard, skid-resistant surface.
Lignin sulfonate is also considered non-corrosive and can be applied without special safety equipment or clothing.
Vehicles can safely travel over roads treated with Lignin sulfonates almost immediately, eliminating road closures.
When properly applied, lignin sulfonate creates a hardened road surface, is less likely to suffer “washboarding,” and reduces frost heaves common with untreated gravel or dirt roads.
As a result, frequent grading and maintenance can be reduced.
Our commercial Lignin sulfonate product meets the specifications of the U.S. Forest Service Administration, General Service Administration, and local and regional government standards.
Lignin sulfonate use on roads has been endorsed by various agencies for decades.
Lignin sulfonate is a brown powder consisting of a sulfonate salt made from waste liquor of the sulfate pulping process of soft wood: used in concrete, leather tanning, as an additive in oil-well drilling mud, and as a source of vanillin.
Dispersing:
Lignin sulfonate is a high weight electrolyte containing sulfonate, carboxyl and phenol hydroxyl groups.
Lignin sulfonate is absorbent to organic and inorganic particles chemically or physically, and keeps them dispersing stably due to its strong hydrophilic property and negative charges.
Binding:
Lignin sulfonate has a binding property since it is a high polymer.
Lingin sulfonate has an excellent binding property since it contains not only Lignin sulfonate but also reduces sugar and sugar sulfonate.
Chelating:
Lignin sulfonate and sugar derivatives have a chelating property making hydrophilic or hydrophobic compounds since they contain sulfonate, carboxyl and phenol or alcohol hydroxyl groups and they are absorbent to polyvalent metal ions.
Lignins have a long history of use on roads as a method for dust control and surface stabilization.
Lignin road products are derived from the lignin that naturally binds cellulose fibers together to give trees and plants firmness.
These products are a safe and economical alternative to petroleum and salt-based products that are also sometimes applied to road surfaces.
The original method of applying Lignins to road surfaces for dust control was very simple: dilute raw Lignin solutions were sprayed in light applications onto dirt roads.
Over time, road surfaces began to show an improved stabilization, increasing the appeal of using Lignins.
Lignin is well suited for a variety of uses such as parking lots, driveways, and road shoulders, where pavement is too costly and dust conditions become intolerable.
Lignin sulfonates are used on unpaved roads to reduce environmental concerns from airborned dust particles and to stabilize the road surface.
Lignin Sulfonate does not have any negative impacts on our environment and/or human health.
Lignin sulfonate contains no constituents that are considered hazardous by any Government agency.
Further, Lignin sulfonate’s health rating is 0, which simply means exposure offers little or no risk to either plants or humans.
Lignin simply contains no oil based contaminants.
Like magnesium chloride Lignin sulfonate is soluble in water.
Further, lignin is biodegradable.
Primary dispersing agent for dyestuffs and agricultural chemicals.
A sulfonate salt of lignin that is produced as a waste product from chemical processes for making paper pulp.
Lignin sulfonate is a brown powder that forms a colloidal solution in water.
Lignin sulfonate is used as a dispersant for concrete and for carbon black additions to rubber.
Lignin sulfonate is also used as a tanning agent for leather.
Most delignification in sulfite pulping involves acidic cleavage of ether bonds, which connect many of the constituents of lignin.
Sulfonated lignin (SL) refers to other forms of lignin by-product, such as those derived from the much more popular Kraft process, that have been processed to add sulfonic acid groups.
The two have similar uses and are commonly confused with each other, with SL being much cheaper.
LS and SL both appear as free-flowing powders; the former is light brown while the latter is dark brown.
Lignin sulfonate have very broad ranges of molecular mass (they are very polydisperse).
A range of from 1,000–140,000 Da has been reported for softwood Lignin sulfonates with lower values reported for hardwoods.
Sulfonated Kraft lignin tend to have smaller molecules at 2,000–3,000 Da.
SL and LS are non-toxic, non-corrosive, and biodegradable.
A range of further modifications may be applied to LS and SL, including oxidation, hydroxymethylation, sulfomethylation, and a combination thereof.
Benefits of Lignin Sulfonate:
Lignin sulfonate offers a wide range of benefits that make it highly valuable across various industries.
One of Lignin sulfonate's primary advantages is its excellent dispersing ability, helping to create stable mixtures in systems containing pigments, clays, or other fine particles.
Lignin sulfonate also acts as an effective binding agent, making it ideal for forming strong, cohesive pellets in animal feed production and for dust control applications.
As a natural plasticizer, lignin sulfonate enhances the workability of concrete and reduces water consumption, leading to stronger, more durable final products.
Lignin sulfonate's ability to sequester metal ions makes it useful in water treatment and chemical processes, where it prevents unwanted reactions caused by trace metals.
Environmentally, lignin sulfonate stands out for being biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic, making it a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals.
Additionally, Lignin sulfonate is cost-effective due to its availability as a by-product of the sulfite pulping process, reducing production costs for industries that incorporate it.
Its thermal stability and chemical reactivity also allow lignin sulfonate to be incorporated into a wide variety of industrial processes without significant degradation, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Overall, lignin sulfonate combines functionality, environmental friendliness, and economic efficiency, offering significant technical and sustainability advantages across traditional and emerging applications.
Methods of Manufacturing of Lignin Sulfonate:
Ligninsulfonic acids are made from native lignin.
Two different starting materials are available:
(1) lignin made from sulfite pulping and
(2) lignin made from alkaline (kraft) pulping of wood.
In the first case, the sulfite waste liquor is purified and marketed as a liquid or a solid.
Lignin from kraft pulping is first purified and then sulfonated.
Various methods have been developed for isolating and purifying Lignin sulfonates from spent pulping liquors.
One of the earliest and most widely used industrial processes is the Howard process, where calcium Lignin sulfonates are precipitated from spent pulping liquor by addition of excess lime.
Lignin recoveries of 90-95% are obtainable through this process.
Other methods used industrially include ultrafiltration and ion-exclusion, which uses ion-exchange resins to separate lignin from sugars.
Laboratory methods for isolating Lignin sulfonates include dialysis, electrodialysis, ion exclusion, precipitation in alcohol, and extraction with amines.
They can also be isolated by precipitation with long-chain-substituted quaternary ammonium salts.
Industrial ligninsulfonates are globular colloids with molecular masses between 2000 and 100,000 whose structures have not yet been fully elucidated.
Their basic structural unit is phenylpropane.
The structural formula shows five structural units linked with the parent unit in various ways.
The degree of sulfonation varies between 0.3 and 1.0 sulfite groups per phenylpropane unit.
Preparation of Lignin Sulfonate:
Lignin sulfonates are recovered from the spent pulping liquids (red or brown liquor) from sulfite pulping.
Ultrafiltration can also be used to separate Lignin sulfonates from the spent pulping liquid.
AA list of CAS numbers for the various metal salts of Lignin sulfonate is available.
The electrophilic carbocations produced during ether cleavage react with bisulfite ions (HSO3−) to give sulfonates.
R-O-R' + H+ → R+ + R'OH
R+ + HSO3− → R-SO3H
The primary site for ether cleavage is the α-carbon (carbon atom attached to the aromatic ring) of the propyl (linear three carbon) side chain.
The following structures do not specify the structure since lignin and its derivatives are complex mixtures: the purpose is to give a general idea of the structure of Lignin sulfonates.
The groups R1 and R2 can be a wide variety of groups found in the structure of lignin.
Sulfonation occurs on the side chains, not on the aromatic ring like in p-toluenesulfonic acid.
Kraft lignin from black liquor, which is produced in much higher amounts, may be processed into sulfonated lignin.
The lignin is first precipitated by acidifying the liquor with CO2 then washed.
Reaction with sodium sulfite or sodium bisulfite and an aldehyde under a basic environment completes sulfonation.
Here the sulfonic acid groups end up on the aromatic ring instead of the aliphatic sidechain.
History of Lignin Sulfonate:
The history of lignin sulfonate is deeply intertwined with the evolution of the pulp and paper industry during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Lignin, one of the major components of wood, was initially regarded as a waste product during paper manufacturing, where the focus was primarily on extracting cellulose fibers for paper production.
In the mid-19th century, the development of the sulfite pulping process provided a method to chemically remove lignin from wood using sulfite salts.
Lignin sulfonate was during this process that sulfonated lignin derivatives, later known as lignin sulfonates, were first unintentionally produced.
Early on, lignin sulfonates were simply discarded as waste, but by the early 20th century, industries began recognizing their value as dispersants, binders, and surfactants, particularly in applications like concrete additives and drilling fluids.
Over time, as industrial needs evolved and the demand for cost-effective, multifunctional additives increased, the utilization of lignin sulfonates expanded into agriculture, ceramics, textiles, mining, and chemical processing.
In recent decades, with the global emphasis on sustainability and renewable resources, lignin sulfonate has gained renewed attention, not only as a traditional industrial additive but also as a promising base material for developing bio-based chemicals, carbon fibers, resins, and biodegradable products.
Today, lignin sulfonate is no longer considered a mere by-product but is viewed as a valuable, eco-friendly industrial resource with growing importance in the global shift toward greener technologies.
Handling and Storage of Lignin Sulfonate:
Lignin sulfonate should be handled in well-ventilated areas to prevent the accumulation of dust or vapors.
Avoid inhalation of dust and direct contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling the product.
Containers should be tightly sealed when not in use and stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and incompatible materials, such as strong oxidizers.
Protect from freezing if Lignin sulfonate is a liquid solution.
Keep away from heat sources and open flames.
Reactivity and Stability of Lignin Sulfonate:
Lignin sulfonate is stable under normal ambient and anticipated storage and handling conditions.
Lignin sulfonate is not prone to hazardous polymerization.
However, Lignin sulfonate may decompose at elevated temperatures (above 200°C), releasing sulfur oxides (SOₓ) and carbon oxides (CO, CO₂).
Lignin sulfonate is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents (e.g., peroxides, chlorates, nitrates), which may cause exothermic reactions.
Lignin sulfonate is chemically stable in a neutral or slightly acidic environment but can degrade under strong acidic or basic conditions over time.
First Aid Measures of Lignin Sulfonate:
Inhalation:
Move the affected person to fresh air immediately.
If breathing difficulties occur, seek medical attention.
Provide oxygen if necessary.
Skin Contact:
Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Remove contaminated clothing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Eye Contact:
Immediately flush eyes with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes, lifting the upper and lower eyelids occasionally.
Seek medical attention if irritation continues.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Drink plenty of water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Seek medical attention if feeling unwell.
Firefighting Measures of Lignin Sulfonate:
Suitable Extinguishing Media:
Water spray, foam, carbon dioxide (CO₂), or dry chemical powder.
Hazardous Combustion Products:
Decomposition in a fire can produce irritating and toxic gases including carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur oxides (SOₓ).
Protective Equipment for Firefighters:
Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective gear.
Special Firefighting Procedures:
Cool fire-exposed containers with water spray to prevent rupture. Avoid inhaling combustion gases.
Accidental Release Measures of Lignin Sulfonate:
Personal Precautions:
Wear suitable protective equipment to prevent inhalation of dust and contact with skin and eyes.
Ensure adequate ventilation.
Environmental Precautions:
Prevent product from entering drains, waterways, or soil.
Cleanup Methods:
For solid spills, sweep up carefully without creating dust and place in suitable containers for disposal.
For liquid spills, absorb with inert material (e.g., sand, earth) and collect into containers.
Clean the spill area with water.
Exposure Controls / Personal Protective Equipment of Lignin Sulfonate:
Engineering Controls:
Ensure good general ventilation.
Use local exhaust ventilation if necessary to maintain airborne concentrations below recommended exposure limits.
Personal Protective Equipment:
Respiratory Protection:
Dust mask or NIOSH-approved respirator if dust concentrations are high.
Eye Protection:
Safety glasses with side shields or goggles.
Skin Protection:
Protective gloves (e.g., nitrile, PVC) and suitable protective clothing.
Hygiene Measures:
Wash hands after handling.
Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling the product.
Identifiers of Lignin Sulfonate:
Chemical Name: Lignin sulfonate.
CAS Number:
General lignin sulfonates: 8061-51-6
Sodium lignin sulfonate: 8061-52-7
Calcium lignin sulfonate: 8061-53-8
EC Number: Lignin sulfonate (general): 617-152-6
Appearance: Brown to dark brown powder or viscous liquid
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
Odor: Mild, characteristic organic odor
Properties of Lignin Sulfonate:
Physical State: Solid (powder) or viscous liquid (depending on Lignin sulfonate form)
Color: Brown to dark brown
Odor: Mild, slightly woody or sulfurous odor
Solubility: Highly soluble in water
pH (1% solution): Typically between 4.0 and 7.5 (depends on salt form: sodium, calcium, ammonium)
Density:
For dry powder: approximately 0.5 – 0.7 g/cm³
For liquid solutions (typically 50% solids): approximately 1.2 – 1.3 g/cm³
Melting Point: No sharp melting point (decomposes upon heating)
Boiling Point: Not applicable; decomposition occurs before boiling
Thermal Stability: Stable at ambient temperatures
Vapor Pressure: Negligible (essentially non-volatile under standard conditions)
Specifications of Lignin Sulfonate:
Product Form: Powder or liquid concentrate
Color: Brown to dark brown
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Purity (Active Lignin Content):
Typically 50–65% for liquid lignosulfonates
Typically 88–95% for dry powder forms
Moisture Content:
Liquid: typically 35–50% water
Powder: ≤ 10% moisture
Sulfonate Group Content (-SO₃⁻): 4–8% (depending on the degree of sulfonation)
Ash Content (Inorganic Residues): ≤ 15% (typical values range from 5% to 15%)
Names of Lignin Sulfonate:
IUPAC Names:
3-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-[2-methoxy-4-(3-sulfopropyl)phenoxy]propane-1-sulfonic acid
Lignosulfonic acid
Other Names:
Sulfonated lignin
lignosulfonic acid salts
