An evaluation of the physicochemical degradation of gold ion-exchange resins in hypochlorite solutions

Kathryn C. Sole, Peihao Qi, J. Brent Hiskey

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

The long-term operating characteristics of ion-exchange resins suitable for the hydrometallurgical recovery of precious metals remain largely unknown. This study examines some physicochemical properties of two promising ion-exchange resins for gold, SR-3 and PAZ-8, when subjected to experimental conditions similar to those of a typical alkaline-chlorination gold recovery process. It is shown that the degradation behavior may be related to both the micro- and macrostructural properties of the resins. Severe resin degradation occurs on pro-longed, agitated contact of the SR-3 resin beads with hypochlorite solutions at ambient tem-perature; the low cross linkage of the resin facilitates mechanical damage, while chemical degradation occurs by dehydration, oxidative scission of the functional groups, and breakdown of the polymer matrix. The PAZ-8 resin is highly cross linked and is more resistant to both mechanical and chemical attack under similar conditions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)17-25
Number of pages9
JournalMetallurgical Transactions B
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1993

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'An evaluation of the physicochemical degradation of gold ion-exchange resins in hypochlorite solutions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this