Abstract
A high molecular weight polyacrylamide (PAM) was tested as a potential selective depressant in the differential flotation separation of galena and chalcopyrite using potassium ethyl xanthate (KEX) as a collector. In single mineral flotation, PAM depressed chalcopyrite while galena was floatable. Adsorption mechanism study indicated that PAM could adsorb on galena through hydrogen bonding, and on chalcopyrite through hydrogen bonding as well as ammonium-copper complexation. KEX could only break up the galena-PAM bonding. Therefore the combined use of PAM and KEX rendered the flotation of the two minerals selective.In the flotation of mixtures of the two minerals, galena and chalcopyrite could be separated by PAM and KEX only after EDTA treatment of the mineral mixtures. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometric (ToF-SIMS) measurements indicated that when galena and chalcopyrite were present together in the suspension, PAM adsorbed on both galena and chalcopyrite. However, after prior treatment of the mineral mixtures by EDTA, PAM was found to mainly adsorb on chalcopyrite.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
