Lignosulfonate is one of the derivatives of lignin. they are different in origin,chemical layout and physical properties.

Lignosulfonate primary come from the sulfite process of paper pulping “black liquor” by the sulfite process, first of the separation from the
“black liquor” is the sodium lignosulphonate and calcium lignosulphonate.
Lignin was one of the three major components of the wood itself (the other components is cellulose and hemicellulose), is a kind of natural polymer,
Content in plants usually is Cellulose >lignin >hemicellulose.
lignin could be obtained from the plants with many solutions , Contains organic solvent to obtain, lye acquisition, anthraquinone process, etc. For lignin with sulfite method, and they will get the lignosulfonate.
The biggest differences between lignin and lignosulfonate is the lignin insoluble in water, while the lignosulfonate soluble in water easily. Lignosulfonate absorb the moisture easier in the air.
The application of the Lignin
Can be made into lignin and phenolic resin, polyurethane resin lignin, lignin chelating resin, etc.
Lignin can be made into rubber reinforcing agent.
Lignin can be made into oilfield chemicals.
For example: Drilling mud additives, Oil surfactant, etc
Lignin can be used as building materials additives.like water reducing agent for concrete.
Lignin can be used as adhesive in wood industry.
Lignin can be used as surface active agent and dye dispersants in light industry.
High quality of lignin can be used as coal water slurry additive.