Selective Flotation of Rutile from Chlorite Using a Combined CMC and SSF Depressant in a Benzohydroxamic Acid...

Area of Science:

• Mineral Processing
• Surface Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Chlorite is a common gangue mineral in rutile ores, complicating selective flotation.
• Efficient separation of rutile from chlorite is crucial for ore processing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the depression performance of sodium fluosilicate (SSF) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) individually and in combination for chlorite depression in a benzohydroxamic acid flotation system.
• To elucidate the depression mechanisms of the combined depressants on chlorite.

Main Methods:

• Pure mineral flotation tests were conducted.
• Characterization techniques included ζ potential analysis, contact angle measurements, FTIR spectroscopy, adsorption quantification, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Main Results:

• Individual depressants showed limited selectivity.
• The CMC+SSF combination significantly enhanced chlorite depression, achieving a rutile-chlorite recovery difference of 71.85 percentage points.
• Combined depressants selectively adsorbed onto chlorite via chemical interaction and hydrogen bonding.

Conclusions:

• The CMC+SSF combination offers a synergistic effect for effective chlorite depression.
• Selective adsorption of CMC and SSF onto chlorite blocks active sites, reducing its recovery.
• This approach enhances the efficiency of rutile flotation by improving selectivity.