Role of nanobubbles in the flotation of fine rutile particles

Abstract

In this study, benzhydroxamic acid (BHA) was used as the collector for the flotation of fine rutile particles, and water with nanobubbles (NBs) was used to pretreat the particles. Adsorption capacity and zeta potential tests were used to elucidate the mechanism behind the interaction between the rutile and NBs. A high-speed camera was used to observe the collision and adhesion of the normal bubbles and samples. The flotation test results showed that, compared with the untreated group, the rutile treated with NBs had a higher recovery, lower collector demand, and higher flotation rate. The adsorption capacity test results suggested that pretreatment with NBs could reduce the amount of rutile collectors. The zeta potential test results indicated that using NBs could lead to a smaller electrostatic repulsive force for the corresponding rutile particles and an environment conducive to particle agglomeration, thereby enhancing the flotation performance. The images captured by the high-speed camera showed that the particles treated with NBs exhibited an obvious agglomeration effect and a higher adhesion probability, which was also reflected by the results of the flotation and zeta potential tests.