The effect of lignosulfonates on concretes produced with cements of variable fineness and calcium aluminate content

Lignosulfonates are water-soluble anionic polyelectrolyte polymers produced during industrial paper manufacturing. This study investigated concrete produced using lignosulfonates with various chemical contents at different concentrations. Therefore, concrete mixtures were produced using Ca-lignosulfonate (LSc), Na-lignosulfonate (LSn), Mg-lignosulfonate (LSm), and K-lignosulfonate (LSk) at concentrations of 0.4% and 0.8% by weight in the cement. Samples containing cements with different C3A, C3A + C4AF, and Na2O + K2O contents and variable fineness were tested to determine a compatible combination of cement and lignosulfonates. Results revealed that LSc was suitable for use in cements with greater C3A content and fineness and 0.8% was an appropriate usage concentration.