Influence of surface roughness on flotation kinetics of quartz

Surface roughness of quartz particles was determined by measuring the specific surface area of particles. The wettability characteristics of particles were determined by measuring the flotation rate using a laboratory flotation cell. Experimental results show that the rod mill product has higher roughness than the ball mill product. For the particles with larger surface roughness, the flotation kinetics constant is also higher. Finally, empirical relationships between surface roughness (r) and the flotation kinetics constant (k) of quartz particles as k=A+Br+Cr0.5lnr+D/lnr+E/r and k=A+Br are presented, in which A, B, C, D and E are constants related to experimental conditions and mineralogical properties of mineral.