Surface characterization of xanthate adsorption on molybdenite

J. Zhang, S. Wiyono, P. Lee, W. Xiao

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

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Surface characterization techniques, i.e. contact angle measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM) surface force and surface imaging measurement, were applied to investigate the molybdenite surface in aqueous solution. It was shown that the cleaved basal surface of molybdenite was very hydrophobic with a 92 degree water contact angle. The non-polar component of the solid surface free energy is 50.52 mJ/m2 while the polar components are almost zero. The solid surface was not reactive and was only weakly charged at the pH 6. When the aqueous media changes from water to 1×10-4 M KEX solution, the measured contact angle, adhesion force and surface roughness all increase slightly. However, ethanol rinsing made the surface change back to the bare substrate. It was suggested that the hydrophobic chemical, i.e. dixanthogen, which was shown in the morphology of patches by the AFM image, physically adsorbed on the hydrophobic molybdenite surface through the hydrophobic interaction.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSME Annual Meeting and Exhibit and CMA's 111th National Western Mining Conference 2009
Pages485-490
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2009
EventSME Annual Meeting and Exhibit and CMA's 111th National Western Mining Conference 2009 - Denver, CO, United States
Duration: Feb 22 2009Feb 25 2009

Publication series

NameSME Annual Meeting and Exhibit and CMA's 111th National Western Mining Conference 2009
Volume2

Other

OtherSME Annual Meeting and Exhibit and CMA's 111th National Western Mining Conference 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver, CO
Period2/22/092/25/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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