Application and interaction mechanism of mixed collector in flotation of spodumene

The flotation behaviors of pure minerals such as spodumene, feldspar and quartz, and the effects on flotation index of spodumene ore were studied by flotation test using sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfonate, oleic acid, 731, naphthenic acid soap, and mixed collector of oleic acid and dodecylamine as collector. Furthermore, the interaction mechanisms of the mixed collector were investigated by the measurement of Zeta potential, infrared spectrum analysis, adsorption amount measurement and quantum chemical calculation. The results indicate that the mixed collector of oleic acid and dodecylamine has the characteristics of good collection and selectivity and achieved flotation separation of spodumene from feldspar and quartz under alkaline conditions. The adsorption amount of mixed collector on spodumene is larger than it on feldspar and quartz. Oleic acid is mainly chemisorbed on mineral surface while the adsorption of dodecylamine on mineral surface is physical adsorption. Oleic acid ions exist in association form with dodecylamine ions (or molecules) and oleic acid molecules respectively. The head group COO- of oleic acid reacts with Al atoms on the surface of spodumene. © 2020, Science Press. All right reserved.