Polymer-Surfactant Interactions in Flotation of Quartz

Abstract

Separation of minerals currently often involves the use of polymers along with surfactants. Polymer-surfactant interactions in flotation are studied here for quartz, which along with clay is present in coal, oil shale etc., using nonionic, anionic, and cationic surfactants. Polymers are found under most conditions to affect flotation. It can activate or depress flotation markedly depending on the nature of the charge of the reagents. Possible mechanisms by which flotation is affected by the polymers are discussed. Reasons for the observed maximum in flotation vs. amine concentration are also considered here briefly.