Experimental Investigation of Change in the Contrast between Flotation Properties of Calcic Minerals

Abstract

The interaction of fatty acid sodium oleate collector and higher isoalcohols in a liquid phase and on surface of separated scheelite and calcite minerals is investigated. The research findings on monophase calcite and scheelite are presented with their X-ray patterns and IR spectra. The experimental data show the contribution of the intermolecular interactions in combinations of differently ionizable oxyhydryl collectors to the increased contrast between floatabilities of scheelite and calcite. The IR spectroscopy states that the maximum strength of the intermolecular hydrogen bridges between oleate and isoalcohols in the range of 300–3200 cm–1 fits with the molar ratio of 2. Isoalcohols in the surface layer of scheelite neutralize hydrophilic behavior of oleate micellas by means of generation of heteromolecular associates through hydrogen bridges, loosen the hydrated layer and enhance air bubble attachability; adhesion of isoalcohol drops improves floatability of scheelite; higher isoalcohols reduce flotation activity of calcite. The maximum contrast in flotation properties is observed in slimes at respective oleate concentrations fitting the micelle formation process.