Influence of fenugreek-gum and particle size on performance of talc flotation

Talc usually exists as a gangue mineral in copper-nickel sulfide, molybdenite etc. In order to separate precious metals, naturally hydrophobic talc should be depressed effectively in flotation process. The effect of fenugreek-gum (FG) on the flotation performance of talc with different particle sizes was studied. The depression mechanism was investigated extensively through tests of flotation, adsorption and zeta potential, as well as infrared spectroscopy and laser particle size analysis. Flotation results indicated that the FG had a strong depression ability for talc with the particle size of -0.074 + 0.037 mm, -0.037 mm and -0.010 mm when proper dosage of FG was added. The coarse talc was completely depressed by 2.5 mg/ dm(3) FG. When the particle size decreased, more FG was required to obtain the maximum depressing effect, which was verified by adsorption tests. FG reduced the electronegativity on the talc surface by chemical adsorption, and flocculation of talc powders caused a high efficient depressing effect.