Effects of Nanobubbles on Froth Stability in Flotation Column

ABSTRACT

Froth stability plays a crucial role in a froth flotation. This study was conducted to investigate the impact of nanobubbles on froth stability in flotation column. Hydrophobized particles of different degrees of hydrophobicity were employed in the flotation experiments to investigate their interactions with nanobubbles. The results indicated that nanobubbles and hydrophobic particles of a contact angle up to about 70 degrees significantly enhanced the froth stability. More importantly, it was demonstrated, for the first time, that froth stability was well maintained by nanobubbles in the presence of strongly hydrophobic particles with a contact angle of more than 85 degree.

KEYWORDS:

• Column flotation
• froth stability
• nanobubbles
• particle hydrophobicity