Kaolinite microflotation and zeta potential measurements in the presence of ammonium quaternary salts.

Abstract

Studies on kaolinite flotation are being driven by Chinese bauxite characteristics, presenting low alumina:silica weight ratios. This paper addresses the effect of the presence of cetyl pyridine chloride (CPC) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on kaolinite floatability and zeta potential. The reagents were dosed at three concentrations and the best floatability results were achieved at the highest concentration level (1x10-4 mol/L). Zeta potential determinations showed that both quaternary salts (CPC and CTAB) shift the kaolinite zeta potential to more positive values the specific collectors adsorption onto the mineral surface.