Relation between Hydrocarbon Radical Structure and Collecting Abilities of Flotation Agent

Abstract

Structural features of hydrocarbon fragment of collecting agents for nonsulphide minerals, which show high recovery of useful components, are discussed. Introduction of nitrogen or oxygen atoms in collector molecule weakens hydrophobic properties of mineral coating. Decrease in the free surface energy at the mineral-liquid interface in the thermodynamic formulation of the problem on formation of a flotation aggregate reduces the likelihood of such formation. The causes of an increased collecting ability of a flotation agent with polar groups in the hydrocarbon fragment are disclosed based on the mechanism of physically adsorbed collectors and kinetics of formation of flotation aggregate. The kinetic approach to description of flotation event demonstrates functionality of electronegative oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the hydrocarbon chain of a collecting agent molecule. The reason for preferable introduction of nitrogen or oxygen atoms in hydrocarbon fragment of collector molecule near a hydrophilic group is found. High surface pressure and spreading rate of an agent film are governed by the developed hydrocarbon fragment of collector molecules, sufficient concentration of the agent at the mineral surface and by the high surface tension of bubbles in flotation.