Ammonium Lignosulfonate (Industrial Grade)
Ammonium Lignosulfonate for Concrete: Industrial and Construction Grade Specification, Water Reduction and Compatibility
Ammonium lignosulfonate, industrial grade (GAC-NHLS-Industrial), is a water-soluble anionic surfactant from the sulfite pulping process. It is used mainly as a retarding water reducer for cement and concrete, and as a dispersant. For fertilizer use, see the agricultural grade.
- CAS No.
- 8061-53-8
- Function
- Normal-range, set-retarding water reducer; dispersant
- Water-reducing capacity
- 8% min
- Lignosulphonate
- 55% min, dry basis
- Forms
- Powder, 95% min dry matter · Liquid, 45% min solids
Specification: Industrial and Construction Grades
Typical values from the current TDS. Batch results are stated on the COA supplied with each shipment.
| Parameter | Industrial grade (GAC-NHLS-Industrial) | Construction grade (GAC-NHLS-Construction) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Yellow-brown powder | Yellow-brown powder |
| Lignosulphonate content | 55% min (dry basis) | 55% min |
| Water-reducing capacity | 8% min | 8% min |
| Dry matter | 95% min | — |
| Water-insoluble matter | 0.5% max | 1.5% max |
| Sulphate | 2–5% | 2–5% |
| Calcium & magnesium | — | 0.5% max |
| Reducing sugar | 7% max | 7% max |
| Moisture | 5% max | 5% max |
| TDS / MSDS | TDSMSDS | TDSMSDS |
Last updated 18 October 2026. Data: Green Agrochem TDS GAC-NHLS-Industrial Rev. 1.0 and GAC-NHLS-Construction Rev. 1.0; liquid and sodium grades from their current TDS; CAS from the current MSDS.
What the Values Mean for Concrete
- Water-reducing capacity 8% min: the water saved at equal workability in the supplier’s standard test. Your own cement, aggregates and dosage set the real figure.
- Reducing sugar 7% max: residual wood sugars are one reason lignosulfonates retard setting. A higher sugar grade (such as the liquids below) usually means a longer set at the same dosage.
- Sulphate 2–5%: adds to the sulphate already in the cement. Check early stiffening and setting when the cement is close to its sulphate limit.
- Water-insoluble matter 0.5% / 1.5% max: insolubles settle in stored liquid admixtures. The industrial grade’s tighter limit suits pre-dissolved blends.
- Calcium & magnesium 0.5% max (construction grade): a low divalent-ion level helps when the powder is dissolved together with naphthalene superplasticizer.
- Ammonium counter-ion: in alkaline cement paste ammonium can be released as ammonia. Where odour or indoor air matters, check for it in trial mixes; a sodium construction grade avoids it.
How It Works in Concrete
Lignosulfonate adsorbs on cement particles and gives them a negative charge, so they repel each other and release trapped water. The mix flows at a lower water content, or reaches higher workability at the same water content. Lignosulfonates also slow cement hydration, which extends setting time. They are normal-range water reducers (8% min water reduction for this grade); for high-range water reduction, polycarboxylate or naphthalene superplasticizers are used, sometimes in combination with lignosulfonate.
Compatibility
The industrial grade can be compounded with early-strength agents, retarders, antifreeze and pumping agents, and with naphthalene-based superplasticizers, with little precipitation. Every combination should still be checked with the actual cement in trial mixes, because setting time, air content and strength depend on cement chemistry and dosage.
Ammonium vs Sodium Lignosulfonate for Concrete
Values from the current TDS of each grade. On paper the three grades give the same 8% min water reduction; the differences are active content, insolubles and the counter-ion.
| Point | Ammonium, industrial | Ammonium, construction | Sodium, construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lignosulphonate | 55% min (dry basis) | 55% min | 65% min (dry basis) |
| Water-reducing capacity | 8% min | 8% min | 8% min |
| Reducing sugar | 7% max | 7% max | 7% max |
| Sulphate | 2–5% | 2–5% | 2–5% |
| Calcium & magnesium | — | 0.5% max | 0.5% max |
| Water-insoluble matter | 0.5% max | 1.5% max | 1% max |
| pH | — | — | 8.0–10.5 |
| Counter-ion in the mix | Ammonium | Ammonium | Sodium; ash around 14% |
| TDS / MSDS | TDSMSDS | TDSMSDS | TDSMSDS |
Compare grades at equal lignosulphonate content and in the same cement. For calcium grades, see calcium lignosulfonate.
Liquid Ammonium Lignosulfonate for Admixture Plants
Both liquids are listed on their TDS for concrete plasticizing, cement grinding, binders and dust suppression. Their reducing sugar is higher than the powders’, so recheck setting time when switching.
| Parameter | Liquid, acidic | Liquid, alkaline |
|---|---|---|
| Solid content | 45% min | 45% min |
| pH | 4.0–6.0 | 8.0–10.0 |
| Lignosulphonate (dry basis) | 50% min | 50% min |
| Reducing sugar | Around 15% | Around 10% |
| Water-insoluble matter | 2.5% max | 2% max |
| Density | 1.20–1.30 g/ml | 1.20–1.30 g/ml |
| Total nitrogen | 3–5% | 3–5% |
| Packing / shelf life | Flexitank or IBC; 12 months | Flexitank or IBC; 12 months |
| TDS / MSDS | TDSMSDS | TDSMSDS |
Other Industrial Uses
- Grinding aid in cement milling and deflocculant for raw-mix slurry.
- Water reducer in plasterboard.
- Dispersant for pesticides, dyes, carbon black and other insoluble solids.
- Binder for ore fines, coal, ceramics and foundry sand; dust suppression.
- Viscosity reducer in drilling mud.
Packaging and Storage
- Powder: 25 kg woven bags with polyethylene liner; 500 kg or 600 kg jumbo bags (FIBC).
- Liquid: flexitank or IBC tote; protect from freezing.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat; reseal opened bags.
- Shelf life: Shelf life 24 months in the original unopened packaging (powder); 12 months from manufacture (liquid).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ammonium lignosulfonate a superplasticizer?
No. It is a normal-range water reducer with a water-reducing capacity of 8% min. It is often combined with superplasticizers in admixture formulations.
Does ammonium lignosulfonate retard setting?
Yes, lignosulfonates extend setting time. The extent depends on dosage and cement, so confirm it in trial mixes.
What is the difference between the industrial and construction grades?
Both have 55% min lignosulphonate, 8% min water-reducing capacity and 7% max reducing sugar. The industrial grade has tighter water-insoluble matter (0.5% max vs 1.5% max) and a 95% min dry matter figure; the construction grade adds a calcium and magnesium limit of 0.5% max.
Powder or liquid for an admixture plant?
The powders (95% min dry matter) store for 24 months in bags. The liquids (45% min solids) blend without a dissolving step but keep 12 months and carry more reducing sugar (around 10–15% vs 7% max), so check setting time again if you switch form.
Can ammonium lignosulfonate give off ammonia in concrete?
It can. Cement paste is strongly alkaline, and ammonium salts release ammonia at high pH. Where odour or indoor air quality matters, check fresh concrete in a trial mix or use a sodium or calcium grade.
Ammonium Lignosulfonate: Product Page, Documents and Quotes
Download the industrial, construction or liquid TDS and MSDS from the tables on this page; every shipment carries its own COA. Ask us for a sample or a quote.
Questions about a specification, a test result or a formulation: contact us or email info@greenagrochem.com.