Lignosulphonate application areas

The uses for lignosulphonate cover a wide area of applications with only some primary areas cited here.

We offer several products for a vast array of applications, and we can further modify our products to suit specific customer needs.

Dust control

Dust control (LIGNEX 100/101/201)

LIGNEX 100/101 are high lignin content liquid products, providing superior surfactant (wetting) and binding performance in road dust management and soil stabilisation applications.

LIGNEX 201 is a neutral pH, high lignin content powder product which provides superior surfactant (wetting) and binding performance in road dust management and soil stabilisation applications.

Ceramics

Ceramics/Refractory/Clay bricks (LIGNEX 110/111//211)

Use of lignosulphonate in the production of ceramics, refractories and clay bricks is beneficial for processing, product properties and energy consumption, because the dispersing effect supports mechanical homogenisation of the raw mixture and improves workability at reduced free water content.

Consequently, less energy is needed for processing, drying and firing. In addition, the binding property of lignosulphonate increases green and final strength, resulting in reduced cracking of the final product.

Pelletising

Pelletising (LIGNEX 120/121/221)

LIGNEX 120/121/221 are excellent bonding agents for pelletising applications like the manufacture of coal briquettes and egg coal. Today, lignosulphonate is used in large amounts for the pelletising of animal feed, pet food and fertilisers, as well as metal ores.

The use of the appropriate additives enables the reduction of the pressing force on pelletising machines and this reduction of mechanical effort results in corresponding energy savings.

Crop protection

Crop protection (LIGNEX 130/131/231)

LIGNEX130/131/231 are high purity lignosulphonate products. When used in crop protection suspensions, lignosulphonate acts as a surfactant by coating the surface of the active substances, simultaneously manipulating the charge of the active substance to ensure adequate dispersion is maintained.

Concrete admixture

Concrete admixture (HANSA 101/201, COLLEX 100)

HANSA 101 and COLLEX 100 are high purity lignosulphonate liquid products and HANSA 201 a powder product. With outstanding dispersing properties, lignosulphonate is widely used in ready mix concrete, in a process which involves dispersing small amounts of lignosulphonate with the agglomerates of cement particles.

This results in lower water consumption during the mixing of concrete and the resulting lower water to cement ratio yields significantly greater strength after hardening. Lignosulphonate significantly improves the flow property of concrete and subsequently, is frequently used as a plasticiser admixture.

Pigment dispersion

Pigment dispersion (COLLEX 110/111/211)

Dispersing agents or a combination of binder and dispersing agents are indispensable in the engineering of pigment master batches.

The dispersion properties of COLLEX 110/111/211 facilitate fine dispersion of the pigment particles in the suspension, thereby helping to achieve the desired visual effects and overall performance.

Plasterboard

Gypsum plasterboard (COLLEX 120/121/221)

When added to natural and REA plaster suspensions, COLLEX 120/121/221 enhances dispersion and promotes significant liquefaction of the slurries, thereby promoting lower slurry viscosity (given an equal ratio of water to solids) and enabling easier processing.

Water treatment

Process water treatment (COLLEX 130/131/231)

If process water contains insoluble components, these can agglomerate and result in the build-up of deposits on the components of the plant through which the water flows. This can lead to disruptions in the process water cycle and thus to disruption of the overall process.

COLLEX 130/131/231 act as dispersants, preventing agglomeration of the undissolved suspended particles, thereby eliminating or at least minimising these unwanted effects. In this application, lignosulphonate acts as an anionic tenside and also offers high thermal load as well as high stability in the acidic and basic pH range.

Leather tanning

Leather tanning (COLLEX 140/141/241)

The phenolic structure of COLLEX 140/141/241 yields benefits in tanning and leather applications.

Excellent water solubility and dispersing properties as well as suitable molecular mass distribution and low viscosity of aqueous solutions of COLLEX 140/141/241 support fast, nearly complete penetration of hides, with physio-chemical reaction progressing over time.

Fertiliser

Fertiliser (PERMASOL 100/101/201)

PERMASOL 100/101/201 are bonding agents used to assist pelletisation and granulation during the manufacture of mineral fertiliser. Their adhesive strength offers excellent binding and low abrasion qualities, while their excellent water solubility allows for good release of components during weather exposure.

Recycled packaging

Recycled packaging (ZEWILEX 100/101/201)

ZEWILEX 100/101/201 are lignin-based products which enhance polymeric strength when used in the production of recycled packaging paper. They are used in the paper machine size press to partially displace more expensive starch. This not only saves costs, but also enhances the strength of recycled paper and improves machine productivity.

In addition, the use of these products improves sheet appearance by imparting a darker more consistent shade, thereby eliminating the need to add expensive dyes. The products may also reduce dryer energy requirements, resulting in further cost savings.

Chipboard

Chipboard (ZEWILEX 110/210/211)

By adding lignosulphonate through mixing or condensation during the production of adhesive resins, the bonding agent used in the production of chipboard can be reduced.

Resins

Resins (ZEWILEX 120/121/221)

ZEWILEX 120/121/221 can be used in the manufacturing of resins. The aromatic structure of lignosulphonate molecules make them particularly suitable for the manufacturing of phenolic resins and melamine-phenolic resins.

Using lignosulphonate as a copolymer during the polymerisation process saves phenol and formaldehyde, thereby enabling more sustainable production and application of resins containing phenol.


Interested in this product?
Get in touch with us at Lignin@sappi.com
Looking to the future, Sappi will target strong growth from new business opportunities related to energy, nanocellulose and bioproducts including lignin and sugars.
Steve Binnie, Chief Executive Officer of Sappi Limited