The Effect of Surface Charge on the Separation of Pyrite from Serpentine by Flotation

Serpentine, a magnesium silicate mineral with positive surface charge in many sulfide ores around the world, usually deteriorates the flotation behavior by covering the target mineral surface. In this paper, the effect of surface potential regulation on serpentine flotation was revealed by flocculat...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tao Long, Xiaotao Huang, Wei Xiao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2019-10-01
Series:Minerals
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/9/10/629
Description
Summary:Serpentine, a magnesium silicate mineral with positive surface charge in many sulfide ores around the world, usually deteriorates the flotation behavior by covering the target mineral surface. In this paper, the effect of surface potential regulation on serpentine flotation was revealed by flocculation experiments, zeta potential measurements, infrared spectrum analysis, and DLVO theoretical calculations. The experimental results of flocculation and sedimentation show that heterogeneous coagulation easily occurs between serpentine and pyrite particles, which reduces the floatability of pyrite. Reducing the surface potential of serpentine is an effective way to eliminate heterogeneous coagulation between minerals. The key to regulating the surface potential of serpentine is Mg<sup>2+</sup> ion dissolution from the serpentine surface to the liquid phase. Phosphates, especially sodium hexametaphosphate, can enhance Mg<sup>2+</sup> ion dissolution from the serpentine surface to the liquid phase and react with Mg<sup>2+</sup> ions in the liquid phase to form stable soluble complexes.
ISSN:2075-163X