The floatability of artificial oxides such as iron, copper or zinc oxide has been investigated by flotation test in connection with the process of their preparation.The unexpectedly floatable property so as to form the armoured bubbles by the addition of frother or xanthate-type collector in the pulp is remarked upon the oxide formed by the thermal decomposition of metal salt or hydroxide in the range of temperature where its sintering or additive solid reaction begins to proceed. The artificial magnetite prepared at a low temperature by wet method exhibits also the aerophilic character. Then, the surface areas of oxides are measured by B. E. T. method using nitrogen gas adsorption data. From the experimental results it is considered that the strong floatability of artificial oxides is related with the change of the surface structure accompanied by the ionic migration.
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