Objetivo
The most essential part of the studies in the frame of the project SURFINFLOT was concerned with evaluation and development of methods on the basis of known spectroscopic and scanning microscopic techniques (XPS, FTIR, STM, AFM) enabling the analysis of species on mineral samples at a very high level of surface sensitivity (preferably single monolayers) and under conditions closely corresponding those prevailing in the actual flotation process. The applicability of the developed and adapted analytical tools was proven investigating chosen systems of pure sulphide mineral surfaces, after adsorption of representatives of a new class of collector reagents producing chelate complexes with the metal ions of the mineral.
Comparing new collectors in standard flotation experiments with conventional xanthates, it has been found that the maximum recovery is obtained in neutral pH range at concentrations 5 to 10 times lower than for xanthates. The affinity of collector derivatives increases with the increase of the carbon number in the chain of the substituent and decreases with the presence of the ether oxygen in the chain.
The basic innovative aspect of the development work carried out in this project is a combination of the interpretative power of an up-to-date surface analysing method (Synchrotron Radiation Excited Photoelectron Spectroscopy) with an optimised sample preparation (under controlled potential and prescribed combination of minerals and liquid solution) and handling during the analysis (quick freezing under oxygen-lean atmosphere), resulting in a sample closely corresponding to the conditions of real industrial flotation. The present results are the only direct application of SRXPS to flotation research so far.
The proposed research is directed to provide the scientific basis for optimization and control of the flotation process of complex sulphide ores containing copper, iron, zinc and lead.The programme will consist of a comprehensive experimental study including mainly new surface sensitive methods which yield information on the solid-liquid interface before and after interaction with new mixed aliphatic-aromatic chelating reagents in the flotation liquid.The detailed objectives are
(i) Evaluation of variables effecting the flotation process,
(ii) Chemical characterization of the surface species and of the adsorption mechanism of new collector reagents on the mineral surface,
(iii) Definition of criteria for tailor-made collector structures in relation to the reticular structure and to the most probable cleavage planes of a given mineral.
The results of the research on surface phenomena in flotation should contribute to increase the recovery of minerals, and to reduce the consumption of chemicals and energy.
Ámbito científico
Tema(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
Data not availableRégimen de financiación
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinador
04103 LEIPZIG
Alemania