Abstract
Flotation behavior of different sizes of particles may follow different trends. The influence of particle size in talc suppression by a depressant galactomannan was studied in this research. The flotation response and mechanism were examined by flotation tests, modified flotation rate constant and entrainment recovery calculation, laser particle size experiments, adsorption tests, and advancing contact angle measurement as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS). The maximum recovery increased with particle size increases in the absence of galactomannan FPY (Fenugreek polysaccharide). The obviously suppressed effect was observed for the size fraction of −74 + 38 μm after reacting with FPY, but low efficiency was received for −38 μm and −10 μm, respectively. Laser particle size analysis indicated that the FPY has a certain function for the flocculation of fine particles. It is beneficial for reducing recovery by entrainment. EDS and advancing contact angle test results showed that the difference in contact angles probably is a result of genuine differences in the quantity of O and Mg bearing surface species, while the contact angle varied with particle size fraction in the absence of FPY. Adsorption and SEM test results demonstrated that in the case of −74 + 38 μm, the depressant adsorption density on the mineral surface is higher than the other two size fractions. On the whole, FPY probably is not enough of a depressant for talc suppression.
Highlights
Talc is a 2:1 layer silicate, Mg3 (Si2 O5 )2 (OH)2, comprised of sheets linked by weak van der Waals forces [1]
It is indicated that Fenugreek polysaccharide (FPY) had little compared with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and the low dosage of guar gum, the floatability of talc depression effect on chalcopyrite, the talc recovery dramatically became weaker after adding thewhile
Themaximum maximumrecovery recoveryincreased increasedwith withparticle particle size size increases increases in theinabsence of
Summary
Talc is a 2:1 layer silicate, Mg3 (Si2 O5 ) (OH) , comprised of sheets linked by weak van der Waals forces [1]. The basal cleavage planes contained no broken Si–O and Mg–O bonds formed by the rupture of van der Waals bonds This surface is neutral and hydrophobic [2]. As in nickel sulfide processing, talc leads to flotation concentrates, reducing the concentrate grade and causing downstream processing problems as well as increased smelting costs [6,7,8]. It is a major problem in the presence of hydrophobic gangue in the separation between talc and different sulfide ores
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