Utilising starches from sugarcane and cassava residues as hematite depressants.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the actions of sugarcane bagasse and cassava wastewater (two residues from the food industry) when used as hematite depressants. Additionally, the effect of each residue preparation method on the flotation results was analysed. The efficiencies of the depressors were investigated through microflotation tests utilising samples of pure hematite and quartz from Quadrilátero Ferrífero, which is in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil). The pH of 10.5 was selected due to its frequent use in the concentration of iron ore via flotation in Brazil. Three residue gelatinisation methods (natural, heated, and conventional) were evaluated to determine the most efficient method for the flotation process. Further, zeta potential measurements were performed on the hematite to ascertain the performances of the residues. Microflotation test results showed that hematite recovery decreased with increasing depressant concentration, for all reagents. Finally, the actions of residues gelatinised with the addition of sodium hydroxide (i.e. the conventional method) were shown to be similar to that obtained from corn starch, which indicates their potential application in the flotation process.