Abstract
The dispersion degree of the mineral particles in the pulp is especially relevant regarding the performance of the cationic reverse flotation of iron ores. The gangue minerals should remain dispersed while hematite particles should be selectively flocculated. The present study addressed determinations of dispersion degree and zeta potential of hematite in the presence of different dispersants, classified as organic polymeric (natural and synthetic), organic monomeric, and inorganic. Special attention was paid to results achieved at pH 10, used in plant practice. For natural organic polymers, correlation was observed between the dispersion degree and the increase in the negative value of zeta potential. Some synthetic organic polymers enhance the dispersion of hematite particles despite not affecting significantly the zeta potential. Sodium silicates, irrespectively of the SiO2/Na2O ratio, at pH 10, did not impact significantly either the dispersion degree or the zeta potential.
Highlights
The liberation of hematite in the currently available iron ores requires fine grinding
The motivation for the study was to understand the effect of dispersants belonging to different chemical classes, such as organic polymeric, organic monomeric, and inorganic, on the dispersion degree and the zeta potential of hematite
The dispersants used in dispersion degree and zeta potential determinations were: dextrin (Cargil®), FloatanM3; citric acid (Cargil®), sodium silicate C112 SiO2 / Na2O = 1.98 to 2.00 (Diaton®), sodium silicate R2252 SiO2 /Na2O = 2.15 to 2.40 (Diaton®); sodium silicate R3342 SiO2 / Na2O = 3.30 to 3.45 (Diaton®); Dismulgan V3377 (Clariant®); Dispersogen LFS
Summary
The liberation of hematite in the currently available iron ores requires fine grinding. Vieira and Peres (2013) reported the results of an investigation addressing the effects of the slurry’s rheological behavior and the state of aggregation and dispersion on wet ultrafine grinding of an iron ore concentrate. Lima et al (2012) investigated the effect of slimes on the flotation performance of eight different types of iron ores. Carlson (2010) reviewed the electrokinetic properties of iron oxides stressing the effect of zeta potential on aggregation/dispersion of the particles in the pulp. Operations such as filtration, thickening, sedimentation, and magnetic separation were addressed. The motivation for the study was to understand the effect of dispersants belonging to different chemical classes, such as organic polymeric (natural and synthetic), organic monomeric, and inorganic, on the dispersion degree and the zeta potential of hematite
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