Effective flotation separation of brucite and serpentine using eco-friendly PCE-11 as a novel regulator

ABSTRACT

In this study, sodium oleate (NaOL) was employed as a collector to examine the role and adsorption mechanism of a novel regulator, the polyether polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE-11), in the flotation separation of brucite and serpentine. Efficient separation of brucite and serpentine was achieved under the reagent system with the PCE-11 dosage of 600 mg/L, NaOL dosage of 320 mg/L, and pulp pH of 11. Surface wettability analysis revealed that PCE-11 diminishes the hydrophobicity of serpentine in the NaOL system. Zeta potential analysis and adsorption capacity analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in NaOL adsorption capacity on the serpentine surface following interaction with PCE-11. Infrared spectrum analysis and XPS analysis revealed that PCE-11 is adsorbed on the surface of both brucite and serpentine, with a certain number of Mg sites remaining bonded to NaOL after PCE-11 occupies part of the Mg sites on the brucite surface. However, PCE-11 impedes NaOL adsorption on serpentine surfaces, enhancing the floatability difference between the two minerals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• An eco-friendly agent, the polyether polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE-11), is utilized to the separation of brucite and serpentine.

• PCE-11 demonstrates a good inhibition effect on serpentine.

• PCE-11 increases the hydrophilicity of the serpentine surface in the NaOL system.

• PCE-11 extended the difference in floatability between brucite and serpentine.

KEYWORDS:

• PCE-11
• brucite
• serpentine
• flotation separation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Supplementary data

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/01496395.2024.2335347

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant Nos. 51974064].