Kariwood Lignosulfonate

Lignosulfonate is a natural polymer obtained from trees. It is produced as a by-product during the processing of wood in the paper industry. With its versatile and eco-friendly nature, it is preferred in many industrial applications. High binding capacity, water retention and environmental compatibility make lignosulfonates indispensable in the construction sector.

In the construction sector, lignosulfonates are used as concrete admixture, as binder in mortar and plaster mixes, in ground stabilization, in precast concrete production and in screed applications. With water-reducing and plasticizing properties, they enhance concrete strength and reduce the risk of cracking. They are also used as protectants and reinforcers in wood structures. They are an important component in the production of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. In road construction they are preferred for dust control and soil stabilization. Lignosulfonates are also used as drilling-mud additives in oil drilling, as fertilizer binders in agriculture, and in the production of animal feed pellets.

Obtained from renewable sources, lignosulfonates are biodegradable. They save water in construction applications, helping preserve water resources. They reduce the carbon footprint because their production requires less energy than traditional construction materials. As a by-product of the forest industry, they enable the valorization of waste materials and support the circular economy.

Lignosulfonates increase the fire resistance of wood structures. They slow flame spread, extend the time to heat effects and resist charring. During a fire, wood treated with lignosulfonate burns more slowly and emits less toxic gas. This property is particularly vital in high-rise wood buildings and extends the time available for evacuation.

When used with proper design and engineering calculation, lignosulfonates can enhance the earthquake resistance of wood structures. Panels reinforced with cross-laminated structures show greater resistance to movements that may occur during earthquakes. The elastic properties of lignosulfonates help the structure absorb energy better, reducing structural damage during seismic movements.

Lignosulfonates are obtained in wood-processing plants by chemically separating the cellulose- and lignin-containing parts of wood. Lignin is converted to lignosulfonate form through sulfonation with sulfonic acids. This process generally occurs as a by-product of pulp production. The production stages include: preparation of wood chips; sulfite cooking (cooking wood in an acid solution); separation and sulfonation of lignin; extraction and purification of lignosulfonates; drying and grinding. The process is managed in an environmentally responsible and energy-efficient manner, making lignosulfonate production a sustainable industrial activity.

Kariwood lignosulfonates have superior mechanical properties. They show high compressive and tensile strength, enabling safe use in structural applications. Their modulus of elasticity is lower than that of traditional building materials, which helps them perform better under dynamic loads such as earthquakes. Lignosulfonates also have low density, reducing the total weight of structures and lowering foundation costs.

Kariwood lignosulfonates can be used with various application methods: added directly to the mix as a concrete admixture; applied as a wood preservative by brushing, dipping or spraying; mixed with soil for ground stabilization; used as a binder between wood layers in CLT panel production; sprayed as an aqueous solution on surfaces for dust control. Specific formulations and concentrations are used for each application, so professional application is important.

When properly applied and maintained, Kariwood lignosulfonates are very long-lasting. When used in wood structures, they significantly extend the life of the wood. In concrete applications, they extend the life of the structure by enhancing concrete durability. In general, the effect of lignosulfonates can last more than 50 years, although this varies with the application area and environmental conditions. Kariwood provides its customers with guidance on the correct use and care of lignosulfonate products to ensure maximum performance and service life.