Abstract
The effects of polyethylene oxide (PEO) dosage and solution pH on the flocculation, rheological and surface/interfacial properties of the slurry were investigated by sedimentation, rheology, adsorption and surface force experiments. The results demonstrate that the initial settling rate (ISR) of the tailings is at its lowest in strongly acidic solutions. The ISR reaches its peak in strongly alkaline solutions. The PEO dosage exhibits a modest impact on the yield stress of the concentrate in strong acid solutions, while it wields a notable influence on the yield stress in neutral and strongly alkaline solutions. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) measurements reveal that strong alkaline solutions enhance the adsorption of PEO chains on silica surfaces. Strongly acidic solutions partially inhibit the adsorption of PEO chains. Surface force measurement results indicate that PEO chains can bridge the tailings particles in concentrated suspensions through hydrogen bonding, and consequently elevating the suspension's yield stress.
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