APPLICATIONS

  AGGLOMERANTS

Lignosulphonates, despite being surface-active agents, are widely used as agglomerants for solid particles that do not present sufficient self-adhesion. When wet, lignosulphonates develop adhesive and agglomerating properties thanks to their capacity to retain and absorb water.

  DISPERSANTS

One of the main properties of lignosulphonates is their capacity to disperse solid particles in an aqueous environment. By electrokinetic action, typical of lignosulphonate molecules, a negative charge is transferred to the solid particles, which thus mutually repel each other. In this way, stable suspensions, reduced viscosity and other surface-active properties can be obtained.

  EMULSIFIERS AND
  WETTING AGENTS

To stabilise oil-in-water emulsions, the mechanism is similar to that observed in the dispersion of solids.
Some lignosulphonates reduce the surface tension of an aqueous solution, acting as true or auxiliary wetting agents, which can be used in conjunction with other synthetic wetting agents.

  CHELATING
  AGENTS

Lignosulphonates possess certain sequestering properties, which enable them to transport metal ions to plants when used in the formulation of micronutrients and leaf mould. For this, sodium lignosulphonates are the most efficient.

  COMBINATION
  WITH PROTEINS

This property permits the use of lignosulphonates in the tanning industry, due to their capacity to combine irreversibly with animal hide, producing leather that does not rot. They can be used in conjunction with vegetable and synthetic tannins.