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Lignosulfonate
Dust Control and Road Stabilization

Product Description

An alternative to road chlorides for dust control. Lignosulfonates are derived from lignin, a naturally occurring polymer found in wood that acts like glue holding the cellulose fibers of pulp together. During the pulping processes, lignin is separated from the wood and undergoes an extensive process and eventually becomes an ammonium or sodium-based ligninsulfonate.

Lignosulfonates work by binding the road surface particles together. Water evaporates from the lignosulfonate as it dries, and the dust particles are trapped by the high-viscosity, naturally sticky material. In addition, over time some of the lignosulfonates become completely insoluble due to solar heating.

Uses or Application

  • State, County, and Township unpaved roads
  • Federal/State Parks
  • Mine haul roads
  • Construction site haul roads
  • Quarries/Mines
  • Military roads
  • Agricultural Roads
  • Parking lot surfaces
  • Tree/Flower/Shrub Nurseries
  • Orchards\Private and rural roads
  • Industrial and federal project roads
  • Construction staging areas
  • Airfields and helicopter pads
  • Feedlots
Generally lignosulfonates are associated with dust control and surface stabilization for roads. They are used as binders, dispersants, emulsifiers and sequestrates in a host of products such as gypsum board, animal feed pellets, and micronutrient systems.

Health, Toxicity, and Environmental

Extensive studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of lignosulfonates on the environment. Results show that they are not harmful to plants, animals, or aquatic life when properly manufactured and applied. Lignosulfonates have been used as a treatment for dirt roads in Europe and the U.S. Since the 1920s.

The International Journal of Environmental Studies published a study in 1986 showing vegetation and growth of fir trees were not significantly affected at normal and above-normal application rates of lignosulfonates. Toxic levels of lignosulfonates in surface water have been established and confirm that concentrations must be relatively high before fish and other organisms are affected.

It is good practice to limit any dual control product application near water runoff into waterways.
 

Road Saver

The Product
The active ingredient in Road Saver is a high purity grade of magnesium chloride (MgLc). Magnesium chloride is a hygroscopic compound that attracts moisture from the air and resists evaporation. Road Saver binds fine dust and aggregate particles to keep surfaces stable and dust free.

Dust Control
As a dust control agent, Road Saver greatly reduces nuisance dust, which reduction...
  • Provides cleaner air, cleaner vehicles, and cleaner homes.
  • Promotes better health and fewer complaints.
  • Improves visibility, reducing the chance of accidents.
  •  Reduces vehicle maintenance costs y lowering the levels of dust that clog filters, bearings, and machinery.
  • Cumulative effect—each new application builds on previous residuals, reducing re-application rate while improving performance.

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