Abstract
Quartz is a common gangue mineral in spodumene ore. However, it is difficult to separate by flotation due to its similar surface physicochemical properties to spodumene. In this study, the role of pectin in mineral flotation was investigated, as well as the process of depression associated with it. Results from the flotation experiment revealed that pectin was able to depress the spodumene and that it was possible to separate spodumene from quartz. The mechanism analysis shows that pectin adsorbs onto the spodumene surface by a chemical reaction between the –COOH group present in pectin molecules and the Al atom located on the spodumene surface, which will interfere with the adsorption of NaOL and make the spodumene surface hydrophilic. In contrast, pectin was not adsorbed on the quartz surface and does not interfere with the typical adsorption of NaOL. Thus, spodumene was selectively depressed by pectin.
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