An AFM study of collectors' adsorption on minerals in copper/molybdenum flotation

J. Zhang, W. Zhang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

An atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been applied to study the adsorption of collectors on mineral surfaces in a copper/molybdenum flotation system. AFM images show that collectors absorb on chalcopyrite surface in patches at pH 11. A study of temperature effect on surface morphology excludes the possibility that these patches are nanobubbles forming on hydrophobized mineral surface. Hydrocarbon oil absorbs on molybdenite quickly, while KEX (potassium ethyl xanthate) has little affinity for molybdenite. Pyrite is much more reactive in water and its surface is easily coated in Ca(OH) 2 solutions at pH 11. Based on the obtained AFM images, the adsorption of chemicals on mineral surface and its impact on copper/molybdenum flotation were discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2012 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2012, SME 2012, Meeting Preprints
Pages547-552
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2012
Event2012 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2012, SME 2012 - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: Feb 19 2012Feb 22 2012

Publication series

Name2012 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2012, SME 2012, Meeting Preprints

Other

Other2012 SME Annual Meeting and Exhibit 2012, SME 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period2/19/122/22/12

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Geology
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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