Adsorption of Polyethyleneimine on Fine Arsenopyrite and the Effect on Its Xanthate Flotation

Effective flotation of fine particles is a problem for mineral processing. In this paper, flocculant mostly used in heavy metal ion treatment was an arsenopyrite system. The adsorption behavior and performance PEI on the xanthate were investigated through zeta potential adsorbed amount measurements, XPS size distribution detections, micro-flotation tests. Zeta results showed that 40 mg/L polyethyleneimine (PEI) caused increase arsenopyrite, had only slight depression further SBX, which confirmed by measurements. However, when dosage 150 mg/L, SBX strongly depressed. This because moderate bridged different particles, most active sites still exposed; excess, would be covered so there not enough adsorption. Fe As surface molecules, resolved from chemical shifts As/Fe peaks spectra. can particle size, make suitable with where bridging hydrophobic effects take place. ?20 ?m poor recovery collector alone, but they treated PEI, largely increased. serve as effective flocculation arsenopyrite. A comparison model, showing possible interactions among reagents, bubbles pulp dosages, proposed.