Enhancing flotation separation of chalcopyrite and magnesium silicate minerals by surface synergism between PAAS and GA

Abstract

Separation effects of sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) and gum Arabic (GA) on flotation of chalcopyrite and magnesium silicate minerals using potassium butyl xanthate (PBX) as collector were investigated by micro-flotation experiments, zeta potential, Infrared spectral (IR), SEM–EDS, XPS analysis and copper sulphide ore beneficiation test. The micro-flotation experiments and zeta potential measurements showed that combined depressant consisting of PAAS and GA could efficiently reduce the recoveries of mixed minerals of serpentine and talc more than 25%, while that of chalcopyrite remained above 70% at pH 9.2. Infrared spectral (IR), SEM–EDS and XPS analysis showed that PAAS chemically reacted with Mg on the surface of serpentine, while GA adsorbed on talc surface mainly via physical interaction and hydrogen bond may also play a role. Surface synergism between PAAS and GA was investigated by turbidity test and its depression mechanism was proposed. The technology feasibility of using PAAS and GA to improve the copper sulphide ore flotation performance was verified through artificial mixed ore flotation and laboratory closed-flotation operation.

Exploring the effect of a polyacrylic acid-based grinding aid on magnetite-quartz flotation separation

“…Through molecular dynamics simulation, PAA was reported to adsorb on quartz and clay mineral surfaces, ultimately preventing agglomeration of the tailings and allowing easy dewatering. Chen et al [25], during the flotation separation of chalcopyrite and magnesium silicates with potassium xanthate (a collector) and gum Arabic (a depressant), found that the presence of a PAA-based polymer (sodium polyacrylate) improved the process. The synergism between sodium polyacrylate and gum Arabia allowed selective depression of magnesium silicate minerals, namely talc and serpentine.…”

“…The synergism between sodium polyacrylate and gum Arabia allowed selective depression of magnesium silicate minerals, namely talc and serpentine. The improved flotation separation was attributed to the PAA dispersion effect in removing serpentine particles from the surface of the talc, which allowed gum Arabia to adsorb on the talc surface [25]. In size reduction units, using these GAs, such as PAA, makes it inevitable that these additives can directly or indirectly enter downstream separation processes, such as flotation.…”