Cost-effective and biodegradable, lignosulphonates remain widely used in GCC concrete production — particularly for normal-grade concrete, precast concrete products, and applications where the combined water reduction and retardation effect suits the project requirements.
Technical specifications
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium Lignosulphonate CAS | 8061-51-6 | — |
| Calcium Lignosulphonate CAS | 8061-52-7 | — |
| Appearance | Light brown to dark brown powder or liquid | Visual |
| Purity (active lignosulphonate) | ≥ 55 % (powder) | — |
| pH (10% solution) | 4.0 – 8.0 (grade dependent) | — |
| Reducing Sugars | 1 – 6 % (natural variation) | — |
| Sulphate Content (as SO₃) | ≤ 4.0 % | — |
| Chloride Content | ≤ 0.2 % | — |
| Water Reduction | 5 – 12 % | ASTM C494 |
| Set Retardation | +30 – +90 min (dosage dependent) | ASTM C403 |
| Compliance | ASTM C494 Type A/D, BS EN 934-2 | — |
| HS Code | 3824.40 |
Applications
- Normal Water Reducing Admixture for GCC Concrete — Used at 0.2–0.3% by weight of cement to achieve 5–12% water reduction in standard structural concrete across GCC — improving workability without additional water addition.
- Concrete Retardation in Hot GCC Weather — The combined water reduction + set retardation effect of lignosulphonates is valuable in GCC summer concreting — extending the workable period of fresh concrete during transit and placement in hot ambient conditions.
- Concrete Block & Masonry Products — Used in zero-slump concrete block manufacturing to improve compaction and surface quality — cost-effective vs PNS or PCE for standard block production.
- Compacted Earth & Soil Stabilisation — Lignosulphonates are used as dust suppressants and soil stabilisers in GCC construction access roads, temporary haul roads, and airfield sub-bases — the natural polymer binds soil particles and reduces dust generation.
- Animal Feed Binder & Agricultural Use — Technical grade lignosulphonate used as a binder in feed pellets and as a slow-release soil conditioner in GCC agriculture — particularly date palm and greenhouse operations in Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Key properties
- Combined water reduction and set retardation in one product
- Natural, biodegradable — no REACH SVHC concerns
- Cost-effective — lowest price per water-reduction unit among concrete admixtures
- Compatible with all Portland and blended GCC cement types
- Low chloride content — reinforcement safe
- Mild air entrainment — reduces bleed water
- Available in powder and liquid forms for production flexibility
- Good compatibility with PNS and sodium gluconate for performance blends
Usage and recommendations
Dosage: 0.15–0.30% by weight of cement. Above 0.5% causes excessive air entrainment and strength reduction. Lignosulphonate provides set retardation in addition to water reduction — account for this in mix design and production scheduling. For GCC high-performance concrete (C40+), PCE or PNS are preferred over lignosulphonate for higher water reduction without side effects. For standard C25–C35 concrete in normal GCC conditions, lignosulphonate is cost-effective. Contact Raykem for blend recommendations.
Packaging
- 25 kg Multi-Wall Paper Bags
- 200 kg Drums
- IBC 1,000 kg (liquid)
Storage and shelf life
Powder: store in sealed bags in a dry warehouse at ambient temperature. Liquid: store at 5–40°C in sealed drums. Shelf life: 24 months.