Microscale insights into the influence of grinding media on spodumene micro-flotation using mixed anionic/cationic collectors

Here, the influence of grinding media with different shapes on the flotation performance of spodumene and its potential mechanism from microscale insights was investigated using a single mineral flotation experiment, X-ray diffraction (XRD) test, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The flotation data indicated that under anionic/cationic (sodium oleate (NaOL)/DDA) collectors system, the rod milled spodumene has a higher floatability than ball milled ones. XRD results confirmed that rod medium makes spodumene exposed more (11 0) and (100) planes, while ball medium makes spo-dumene exposed more (010) planes. The typical anisotropic surface of spodumene makes the surface of rod milled spodumene possess more Al sites, further confirmed by SEM-EDS and XPS results. Additionally, it was found that the rod milled spodumene presents a larger value of elongation and flat-ness, which are parameters closely related to bubble adhesion. AFM analysis indicated that rod milled products have a rougher surface, while ball milled products have a smoother surface. Consequently, the rod medium enhanced the adsorption of NaOL/DDA on the spodumene surfaces. This work provides theoretical guidance for optimizing the separation of spodumene from the perspective of grinding. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of China University of Mining & Technology.