Novel Approach for Fine Ilmenite Flotation Using Hydrophobized Glass Bubbles as the Buoyant Carrier

Ilmenite disseminated grain size is relatively fine, and it must be finely ground to fully separate ilmenite from gangue then produce fine-grained minerals, which deteriorates flotation. A novel method using buoyant carriers improve the recovery of fine in froth flotation was introduced this study. Hydrophobized glass bubbles (HGB) as carrier materials were obtained by an efficient, simple modification ordinary bubbles. The presence HGB investigated micro tests, X-ray diffractometer analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), optical microscope observation, extended DLVO theory (XDLVO). Micro-flotation results showed that 37.7% higher than when NaOL alone at pH 6. FTIR analysis observation revealed particles can closely attached on surface increase apparent particle considerably. data calculated indicated acid–base interaction force determined adsorption between two hydrophobic particles.