You must have seen construction workers pour some water into the concrete before starting a project. They do that because water is necessary for creating the paste that holds the cement mixture together. However, achieving the proper cement to water ratio is crucial, as excessive water makes the concrete vulnerable to cracking, scaling, weakening, and low durability. Most construction engineers and workers prefer using water-reducing admixtures to reduce water content, increase strength, and reduce the chances of shrinkage. Reducing admixtures are of various types, including SLS. Sodium lignosulfonate manufacturers are in high demand because products made from it are inorganic, non-toxic, and cost little. It provides incredible benefits as a water-reducing agent. Why is it popular, and should you consider using it for your cement mixing process? Continue reading to find out.
What is Sodium Lignosulfonate?
Sodium lignosulfonate is a combination of lignosulfonate acid and sodium salt. It is a type of lignin sulfonate available in brown powder or liquid without any smell. Since it is non-toxic, it easily dissolves in water and alkali, besides having a solid dispersal property. SLS is also highly dry and has a PH value between 7.5 to 10.5.
In Which Industries is it Used?
Various industries use sodium lignosulfonate for different purposes. For example, the food industry uses it as a defoaming agent in paper production in the food industry. Other industries used include rubber vulcanization, organic polymerization, fire-retardant materials, ceramic, mineral powder, and textiles. You can also use it for coal water slurry as an additive. At the same time, in the ceramic industry, it binds the raw materials particles of objects such as refractory bricks and floor tiles. Iron manufacturers utilize it for ball cruising iron ore fines, coke powder, and lead-zinc ore fines, besides pressing cast iron. When used for petroleum products, it finds its uses as an antistatic and antitrust agent, cleanser, and emulsifying viscosity reducer.
Why is it Used in the Cement Industry?
The cement industry uses this product because it is a highly effective water-reducing agent. Besides high adaptability, this brown powder also ensures the absence of precipitation in any admixture.
Benefits of Sodium Lignosulfonate
Sodium lignosulfonate is used in the construction industry during the cement mixing process because of its benefits, from reduced water consumption to no toxicity. Here are some of its significant benefits.
Reduces the Water Content
Too much water in the cement paste or an imbalance in the cement to water ratio can cause many problems. For example, too much water makes the concrete highly vulnerable to less durability, high shrinkage while drying, and cracking. Using this product, you can be assured of reduced water consumption by 10%, making a difference in the paste.
Improves the Concrete Workability
It refers to how easily you can utilize freshly mixed concrete without affecting its integrity in any way. SLS improves the concrete’s workability and ensures you can easily place it.
Enhance the Cement’s Strength
Construction workers measure the cement’s strength using various methods, one of which is compressive strength. The compressive strength of the cement refers to its ability to withstand enormous loads of objects without the slightest change in its size. This water-reducing admixture increases the strength by about 15%, making it suitable for any cement-related work.
It is Cost-Effective
You will save some money while using this water-reducing agent because it enables you to store the cement for an extended period without affecting its strength or structure in any way.
Extends the Placing Time
Mixed cement must be applied or placed after a certain period, ranging from an hour to 90 minutes, after which it becomes unfit to apply on any surface. This water-reducing admixture can delay the placing time by one to two hours without affecting its slump.
Increase the Air Content
It is essential to have some air in concrete, mainly if you use it in a reservoir or a similar structure. Air is entrapped into the concrete through a process called air-entrapment, enabling it to withstand extreme conditions by providing relief pressure points. It also safeguards the concrete from any damage. By adding about 0.25% of sodium lignosulfonate, the air content increases by 2% to 3%. That enhances its freeze-thaw resistance (the ability of materials such as concrete to withstand freezing and melting) impermeability.
Reduces the Bleeding Rate
You can also use this product to reduce the cement’s bleeding rate. The bleeding rate refers to how the water rises to the surface because of the settling down of heavier particles. It usually happens with a higher water to cement ratio. While you can expect some bleeding, too much of it could be problematic. The best way to deal with that is by adding SLS, reducing the bleeding rate by more than 30%.
Even though you will find plenty of sodium lignosulfonate manufacturers, buying the product from a trustworthy and reliable manufacturer is crucial. SLS will give your cement mixture the resilience, durability, and strength it deserves without compromising homogeneity.
