Abstract
Wollastonite and calcite minerals are significant raw materials and are extensively used due to their unique properties. Wollastonite is used in plastics, paint, ceramics, paper, resins, and in construction as a substitution for asbestos due to its chemical stability, thermal resistivity, needle-like shape, and brightness. Calcite is one of the most used raw materials because of its low hardness, high alkalinity, sorptive properties, white and bright color. Wollastonite and calcite are two minerals found together in nature. The most common method used for separating these two minerals is flotation. In this study, the surface properties of pure mineral samples were investigated. The pH profiles of both minerals were obtained by measuring the surface charge of particles followed by the measurement of the zeta potential in different collector concentrations. The wettability of minerals was examined by measuring their contact angles.
Highlights
Wollastonite is an industrial mineral that can be defined as calcium metasilicate (CaSiO3 )
Formed by the metamorphism of siliceous limestone at temperatures around 450 ◦ C or over and occurs in regionally metamorphosed high-grade rocks and near igneous contact zones [1]. It is used for ceramics, paints, plastics, and as a substitute for asbestos
As extensively explained in a recent study, the aspect ratio is the most decisive point for its usage. While it is suitable for reinforcing thermoplastics and thermoset polymer compounds and as a substitute for asbestos at high aspect ratios, such as in the range of 15:1 to 20:1, wollastonite is chosen for usages in ceramics, metallurgical fluxes, or simple filler and coating at low aspect ratios within the range of 1:3 to 1:5 [2]
Summary
Formed by the metamorphism of siliceous limestone at temperatures around 450 ◦ C or over and occurs in regionally metamorphosed high-grade rocks and near igneous contact zones [1] It is used for ceramics, paints, plastics, and as a substitute for asbestos. As extensively explained in a recent study, the aspect ratio is the most decisive point for its usage In this manner, while it is suitable for reinforcing thermoplastics and thermoset polymer compounds and as a substitute for asbestos at high aspect ratios, such as in the range of 15:1 to 20:1, wollastonite is chosen for usages in ceramics, metallurgical fluxes, or simple filler and coating at low aspect ratios within the range of 1:3 to 1:5 [2]. According to its silicate content and similar properties to quartz, Swarna et al [1], investigated the solubility of wollastonite and its Hallimond flotation behavior as a function of dodecyl amine concentration and pH value. One another important finding was the final pH of Minerals 2020, 10, 228; doi:10.3390/min10030228 www.mdpi.com/journal/minerals
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
