Lignosulfonate/urea binder for particulate composites

A process for forming a coherent particulate composite comprising:

• (a) blending particulate material with between about 2-20% by weight urea solids and with between about 2-20% by weight lignosulfonate solids, said urea and lignosulfonate being provided in approximately equal parts by weight and constituting a binder for said particular material, said particulate material being stable at the temperature maintained during (b);
• (b) maintaining the particulate material at a temperature above about 132.degree. C. so as to maintain said urea and lignosulfonate in liquid form during said blending to form a uniform mixture;
• and
• (c) forming said mixture into a composite of desired shape, size and density.