Advancements in the application of surface roughness in mineral flotation process

ABSTRACT

The fundamental surface properties of different particles play an important role in the hydrophobicity and flotation performance of minerals. In recent years, the influence of surface physical properties on the hydrophobicity and flotability of minerals has garnered significant attention, revealing a positive correlation between surface roughness and flotation performance. This paper analyzes the effects of roughness on the mineral characteristics and flotation process. An in-depth review of the methods for measuring and modifying mineral surface roughness to comprehensively analyze its effects on flotation performance is also included. The methods for modifying mineral surface roughness include physical methods, chemical methods and the utilization of nanoparticle collectors. Additionally, this paper explores the role of molecular simulation, a fast-approaching powerful tool for investigating reagent-mineral interactions. Here, the influence of changes in the molecular model of minerals on their wettability in simulation techniques is discussed, to facilitate the application of surface roughness in mineral flotation.

KEYWORDS:

• Surface roughness
• hydrophobicity
• flotation
• nanoparticle collector

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Foundation for University Key Teacher by Henan Province [2020GGJS051]; Open Foundation of State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Mineral Metallurgical Resources Utilization and Pollution Control [HB202201]; Key Scientific Research Projects of Colleges and Universities in Henan Province [22A440011]; College Students’ Innovative Entrepreneurial Training Plan Program [202310460076]; Science and Technology Plan Project of Datong City [2020139].