Effect of Grinding Aids on the Fracture Energy of Mica

Abstract

An extension of the classical Obriemoff experiments has been set up to measure the fracture energy of mica. This experimental system will be entirely independent of slurry rheology. CTAB (Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide), sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and tri-sodium citrate are used as grinding aids in this study and the fracture energy has been measured for mica in air, water, and water with the addition of various concentrations of these grinding aids. The results show that the fracture energy of mica in water is about half of what it is in air. Grinding aids are shown to reduce the fracture energy of mica, but not dramatically. Addition of grinding aids reduces the fracture energy by a further 10-20%, with tri-sodium citrate appearing to be the most effective. For each grinding aid there appears to be an optimal concentration, typically around 10 mmol. An experiment is also done with sodium chloride at a range of concentrations to investigate the mechanism of these grinding aids, but no reduction in fracture energy (compared to water) was observed, hence the molecular-level mechanism of action of these grinding aids remains unclear. The effect of solution pH values on the fracture energy are also investigated using tri-sodium citrate and sodium chloride. The results show that the solution pH value may effect on the fracture energy of mica. So, in practice, both concentration and pH value of solution are important for getting better grinding results.