Collectability of physically adsorbed xanthate ion–dixanthogen associates

Abstract

Under discussion is collectability of ethyl and butyl xanthate species resulted from nonstoichiometric interaction with oxidizer. It is visually proved that solution contains fine micro-drops stabilized by negative charge. The size and ζ–potential of micro–drops are determined together with the spreading velocity of emulsion over water surface. The mentioned velocity is higher than the spreading velocity of products of non-stoichiometric interaction between xanthate and heavy metal salt. The products of interaction between xanthates and oxidizers are known as desorbable species (DS), as at the moment of rupture of water film between mineral particle and air bubble they can detach from particle surface and attach to air–water interface. Spreading of DS over the interface forces water out of the film. The forces applied to liquid in the film from the side of DS of ethyl and butyl xanthates are evaluated. The volume–flow rate of water from the film is related with the surface pressure of reagent species active at the air–water interface. The surface pressure of dixanthogen–xanthate emulsion is evaluated as a function on initial concentration of xanthate. Collectability of the reagent depends on the surface tension of DS solution and is governed by the structure of hydrocarbon fragment of the agent.