Surface Analysis of Cassiterite with Sodium Oleate in Aqueous Solution

Abstract

The interaction of cassiterite with sodium oleate was investigated by flotation, adsorption, Zeta potential measurements, and infrared spectrum studies. Both adsorption and flotation recovery achieved a maximum at pH 7.8. The maximum recovery of cassiterite was 91%. The tendency of adsorption was in good agreement with that of flotation. Free energy of adsorption was calculated to be −8.36 kcal/mol. The isoelectric point (IEP) of cassiterite appeared at pH 5, and showed an acid shift in the presence of sodium oleate. This shift in IEP was attributed to chemisorption of oleate on cassiterite. The infrared spectrum studies revealed that there was a new compound formed on the surface of cassiterite after interacting with sodium oleate. The results conformed that the adsorption of sodium oleate on the cassiterite surface was due to chemisorption. Based on the experiment results, the adsorption of sodium oleate on the cassiterite surface was caused by the exchanging of ions chemically at the cassiterite-oleate interface.