Lignosulfonate is a naturally occurring, glue-like polymer found in wood that holds cellulose fibers together. During pulping, lignin is separated from cellulose. This base material is then processed to become an effective ammonium-based or sodium-based dust control agent.
When used for dust control, lignosulfonate binds surface particles together. Water evaporates from the lignin as it dries after application. Dust control is achieved as the high-viscosity, naturally sticky material traps dust particles. Over time, the sun’s heat makes the lignin completely insoluble, creating a tough, water-resistant and durable dust controlled surface.
While often used on city, county & long-haul roads and construction areas, lignosulfonate’s greener, natural non-chloride formula can be used on tree & flower nurseries, forest / timber haul roads, orchards and feed lots as well.
Lignosulfonate
A naturally occurring polymer found in wood that acts like glue.
During the pulping process, lignin is separated from the wood and undergoes an extensive process and eventually becomes an ammonium or sodium based lignosulfonate.
Lignosulfonate works by binding the road surface particles together. Water evaporates from the lignin as it dries, and the dust particles are trapped by the high-viscosity, naturally sticky material. In addition, over time the lignin becomes completely insoluble due to solar heating.
Lignosulfonate can be used on the following surfaces:
- Cities, counties and haul roads
- Feed lots
- Construction areas
- Tree/Flowers/Nurseries
- Orchards
- Forest/timber haul roads
Recommendation:
In preparation for applying lignosulfonate as a dust suppressant, roads should first be re-crowned with a grader. Pre-wetting the road is recommended for best results. Lignin can also be applied without pre-wetting if water is not accessible, although results will vary depending on moisture content of the road base. Application rates for a topical application are 0.3-0.5 gallons per square yard.
Reasons
- Naturally Occurring Product – Lignosulfonate is a naturally occurring polymer derived from lignin a by-product of the tree pulping industry. While in the tree, lignin acts like glue holding the cellulose fibers of pulp together – and that’s what it can do for your roads.
- Binding Agent – Just like in the tree, lig works as a dust palliative by binding the different sizes of road particles together when applied topically or mixed in. The water used to liquify lignin for application evaporates as it dries, and that’s how it binds the dust to the larger aggregate with its high-viscosity, naturally sticky material.
- Visible Application – When lignin is first applied it has a dark brown color that lets the public and your crew know where it has been applied. The color will fade as traffic and rain slowly wear down the application.
- Sun Cured – Over time, some of the lignosulfonates can become completely insoluble due to solar heating.
- Environmentally Safe – It is non-corrosive and non-toxic to nearby plants and wildlife when applied correctly.
- More Effective – Lignin Sulfonate treatments tend to be more effective at suppressing dust and holding the road together than chlorides on gravel roads containing higher levels of fines and sand, especially in dry, arid climates like the Southwestern United States.
- Blading Not Required – Although road prep (blading and rolling) will increase the quality of the road and its longevity, it can be used for ungraded areas and just applied topically.