The effect of biopolymer dispersants on copper flotation in the presence of kaolinite

Abstract

In this study, three lignosulfonate-based biopolymers, DP1775, DP1777 and DP1778 with different compositions were examined as dispersants in copper flotation in the presence of kaolinite. While rheological measurements indicated that these biopolymers dispersed the kaolinite aggregates, flotation results revealed that the three biopolymers increased the copper recovery, with a decline in copper grade, which was attributed to an interaction of biopolymers with the frother modifying the froth and enhancing the mechanical entrainment. Two-phase foam characterisation revealed a larger height in the blends of biopolymer and frother, which in turn promoted the mechanical entrainment in flotation. The dispersing and foaming abilities of biopolymers were governed by their structural features such as the content of functional groups, the molecular weight and counterions. This study indicates that when selecting a polymeric dispersant in flotation to deal with clay minerals, its froth property should also be taken into consideration.