Enhancing flotation separation of chalcopyrite and magnesium silicate minerals by surface synergism between PAAS and GA

作者：Zhiqiang Chen, Yanhong Wang, Liqun Luo, Tiefeng Peng, Feng Guo, Mingyu Zheng · 发表于：Scientific Reports · 年份：2021 · DOI：10.1038/s41598-021-85984-y · 被引用次数：13 · 研究领域：Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques、Metal Extraction and Bioleaching、Extraction and Separation Processes

Separation effects of sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) and gum Arabic (GA) on flotation of chalcopyrite and magnesium silicate minerals using potassium butyl xanthate (PBX) as collector were investigated by micro-flotation experiments, zeta potential, Infrared spectral (IR), SEM-EDS, XPS analysis and copper sulphide ore beneficiation test. The micro-flotation experiments and zeta potential measurements showed that combined depressant consisting of PAAS and GA could efficiently reduce the recoveries of mixed minerals of serpentine and talc more than 25%, while that of chalcopyrite remained above 70% at pH 9.2. Infrared spectral (IR), SEM-EDS and XPS analysis showed that PAAS chemically reacted with Mg on the surface of serpentine, while GA adsorbed on talc surface mainly via physical interaction and hydrogen bond may also play a role. Surface synergism between PAAS and GA was investigated by turbidity test and its depression mechanism was proposed. The technology feasibility of using PAAS and GA to improve the copper sulphide ore flotation performance was verified through artificial mixed ore flotation and laboratory closed-flotation operation.