Influence of Sodium Carbonate on the Flotation Separation of Smithsonite and Calcite by Sulfuration-Amine Method

Abstract

Sulfuration-amine flotation is the most commonly used method to separate zinc oxide ore, but its shortcomings such as unstable separation index and poor applicability to high mud-content raw ore limit its application in industry. In this study, the influence mechanism of sodium carbonate on the flotation separation of smithsonite and calcite by the sulfuration-amine method was investigated by chemical analysis of the flotation solution, contact angle measurement, Zeta potential test, and XPS analysis. The results showed that sodium carbonate significantly improved the flotation separation performance of smithsonite and calcite. The chemical analysis of the flotation solution showed that sodium carbonate hindered the dissolution of smithsonite, reducing its negative impact on the flotation of smithsonite. The results of the zeta potential and XPS tests showed that sodium carbonate enhanced the electronegativity of the smithsonite surface, and in an alkaline environment, sodium carbonate was favorable for the adsorption of dodecylamine on the surface of smithsonite, while sodium carbonate and high alkalinity enhanced the inhibitory effect of sodium hexametaphosphate on calcite. The study proved that sodium carbonate could be an effective modifier to promote the flotation separation of smithsonite and calcite using the aulfuration-amine method.