Effects and Mechanism of Fe3+ on Flotation Separation of Feldspar and Epidote with Sodium Oleate at Natural pH

The most common beneficiation method for feldspar is flotation with a cationic (amine) collector under acidic conditions. However, there are several disadvantages to this, such as environmental pollution and equipment corrosion. In order resolve problems, it important study the of using anionic collectors natural pH purpose this paper effects mechanism Fe3+ on separation epidote sodium oleate (NaOL) at pH. Through experiments, adsorption measurements, zeta potential testing, FTIR analysis X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface revealed, reason behind difference in two minerals discussed. test results show that can significantly improve behavior when NaOL used pH, highest recovery rates 90% 43%, respectively. Analysis solution measurement adsorbed minerals′ form Fe(OH)3, which promotes minerals’ through activating epidote. between behavior. potentials after being treated Fe3+, electrostatic displays significant negative shift feldspar, while almost no Fe3+-treated confirmed due fact more active particles (metal bonds) than epidote, properties these metal bonds be changed by allows easily mineral –COO−. possible “mineral-Fe3+–COO−“. Compared infrared spectrum new absorption peak 1713.68 cm−1, attributed C=O characteristic Fe3+–NaOL-treated why floatability better XPS Fe mainly Fe2O3 (Fe–O) contained crystals. Furthermore, less discrepancy leads surface, itself These findings indicate achieved This may provide reference