| Abstract: | Flotation is a physicochemical behavior that occurs at the solid-liquid interface, involving interactions among various material components, and is one of the challenging issues in flotation theory research. Additionally, the combined use of various flotation agents to enhance the flotation effect of minerals is an effective approach for improving the efficient utilization of difficult-to-process mineral resources. However, research on complex flotation solid-liquid systems is extremely challenging, and to date, no systematic theory has been established. The physical mechanism by which combined agents improve flotation effects has not yet reached a consensus, which limits the development of flotation theory and the advancement of flotation technology. Based on the fundamental equations of thermodynamics, this study investigates the entropy change and Gibbs free energy change during the adsorption of agents on mineral surfaces in the flotation process. It constructs a set of thermodynamic equilibrium equations for the interaction of various material components, and proposes an adsorption equilibrium constant that reflects the adsorption capacity of flotation agents on mineral surfaces. By applying the thermodynamic equilibrium equation set in flotation, the physical nature of the homogenization effect on various mineral surfaces during flotation is revealed, and mathematical expressions for flotation solubility product theory, double layer theory, and adsorption theory are derived. A high-entropy flotation theory and technical method have been established, which enhance the flotation effect of difficult-to-process minerals by increasing the variety of flotation agents adsorbed on the mineral surface, improving the adsorption entropy change of the flotation agents, reducing the Gibbs free energy change, and thus improving the efficiency and stability of flotation agent adsorption. |
