AbstractsEngineering

Froth flotation is based on the differences in the physico-chemicalsurface properties of particles of various minerals. It is very seldomthat the mineral to be separated possesses the desirable surface characteristics.Outside intervention is required to alter the natural surface of themineral particles that make up the flotation pulp. The mineral that is tobe floated by attachment to an air bubble must have a hydrophobic surfaceand the rest of the pulp must be hydrophilic or easily wettable. A mineralsurface can be rendered hydrophobic by the attachment of a layer built upof long chain hydrocarbons or of inert organic substances. [...]