Abstract
To solve the problem of the low flotation efficiency of fine cassiterite, we synthesised a novel high-efficiency collector comprising modified polystyrene nanoparticles (MPNs) by introducing 2-butenohydroxamic acid in emulsion polymerization. The particle size, surface potential, chemical structure and surface morphology of the collector were studied. The results showed that the collector comprised 20–100 nm cationic spherical nanoparticles with hydroxamic acid groups on the surface. The pure mineral micro-flotation experiment results revealed that fine cassiterite and calcite can be effectively separated using the MPNs as collector, which indicates the collecting capability and selectivity of MPNs for cassiterite. The selective adsorption mechanism of MPNs on the surface of cassiterite was further confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta potential and scanning electron microscopy analysis.
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