Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kunning Tang, Ying Da Wang, Peyman Mostaghimi, Mark Knackstedt, Chad Hargrave, Ryan T. Armstrong
Summary: Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) is an automated system for identifying minerals in mineral samples. This study extends MLA to three dimensions using 3D X-ray microcomputed tomography and convolutional neural networks. Comparison between 2D and 3D analysis shows significant differences in the results.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Alp Karakoc, Arttu Miettinen, Jussi Virkajarvi, Roberts Joffe
Summary: This study proposes a 3D computational homogenization method based on X-ray microcomputed tomography to investigate the effective elastic properties of regenerated cellulose fiber-polylactic acid biocomposites. The method uses Euclidean bipartite matching technique to eliminate artificial periodic boundaries and a reconstruction algorithm to reduce the time and labor required for fiber labeling. The study presents a case study to compare and validate the method with experimental investigations, providing insights into the influences of individual fibers and their networks on the effective elastic properties.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Minji Kim, Kue-Young Kim, Jae-Hong Lim, Chan Yeong Kim, Seob-Gu Kim, Gidon Han, Weon Shik Han, Eungyu Park
Summary: Understanding the dynamics of immiscible fluids in porous media is crucial in various chemical and environmental engineering processes, but the impact of geological heterogeneity on multiphase flow behavior is still unclear. This study used experimental methods to demonstrate the displacement and entrapment of immiscible fluids at a pore-level, revealing significant differences between different zones and the importance of pore size and connectivity on multiphase fluid dynamics. The results suggest that analyzing immiscible fluid displacement in layered porous media at a pore-level could lead to more effective environmental remediation strategies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shuxian Hong, Chuan Kuang, Jianchao Zhang, Biqin Dong
Summary: This paper proposes a sophisticated image processing method to accurately detect microcracks in XCT images, and a reconnecting algorithm to enhance the continuity and integrality of microcracks in concrete fracture XCT images. The analysis of XCT images of fractured rubber concrete samples verifies the method's ability to visualize and quantitatively analyze fracture patterns, demonstrating its robustness.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiuchuan Lei, Yubin Zhang, Jun Sun, Florian Bachmann, Xiaofang Yang, Robert Edward Sanders, Dorte Juul Jensen
Summary: The study confirms that particle stimulated nucleation is the dominant nucleation mechanism, but also finds that nuclei stimulated from small particles and non-PSN nuclei can grow to large sizes. The results are discussed in relation to existing theories.
MATERIALS RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marius Kern, Jorgina N. P. Akushika, Jose R. A. Godinho, Tobias Schmiedel, Jens Gutzmer
Summary: This paper introduces a new method for predicting the success of X-ray transmission sorting based on X-ray radiographs, and validates and verifies it using scheelite ore samples. By quantifying the volume of high-density scheelite at different spatial resolutions and comparing and validating the results with data obtained from computer tomography and scanning electron microscopy-based image analysis, the mineralogical and chemical composition of ore concentrate and waste can be predicted.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bing Yang, Haizhu Wang, Zhonghou Shen, Olufemi Olorode, Bin Wang, Yong Zheng, Wanjuan Yan, Zhaoyang Jia
Summary: The study compared the fracturing of tight sandstones using water and SC-CO2 at different stress levels, finding that SC-CO2 fracturing resulted in more complex fracture patterns and geometry with rougher surfaces than water fracturing.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Guilherme Jose Ramos Oliveira, Daniela Gomes Horta, Fabiane Leocadia da Silva, Fernando Leopoldo von Kruger, Fernando Gabriel da Silva Araujo, Douglas Batista Mazzinghy
Summary: In this study, high-resolution X-ray microtomography was used to investigate the liberation characteristics of Brazilian bauxite. The grade distributions in 2D and 3D were found to be corresponding when considering all possible cross-sections in 2D, but the 2D surface exposure did not accurately converge to the 3D method due to the loss of 3D information.
MINERAL PROCESSING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alan Cardenas-Vera, Max Hesse, Robert Moeckel, R. Gerhard Merker, Thomas Heinig, Quang Van Phan
Summary: The South Namxe deposit in Vietnam is rich in parisite and other fluorocarbonates, making it a significant source of rare earth elements (REE). This article discusses the grain characteristics and mineral associations of the deposit, as well as the potential for beneficiation using selective comminution and sensor-based sorting. Preliminary studies show promising results with enrichment of REE and reduced mass stream through sensor-based sorting, as well as high recovery rates with selective comminution.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jose Ricardo Assuncao Godinho, Shuvam Gupta, Camila Guimaraes da Silva Tochtrop, Raissa Demanou Tekeng, Matthew Hicks, Doreen Ebert, Jaakko Ihanus, Antti Roine, Jussi Liipo, Axel D. Renno
Summary: The main techniques currently used for characterizing raw materials are bulk or 2D methods, and there is a lack of standardized and automated methods for 3D characterization of particulate materials. In this study, X-ray computed tomography was used to characterize crushed chromite ore with nine particle size classes below 1 mm. The workflow showed consistent accuracy and can be automated with limited user input. It offers potential advantages over traditional 3D image processing methods in terms of automation, accuracy, and standardization.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fabien Leonard, Axel Lange, Andreas Kupsch, Bernd Randolf Mueller, Giovanni Bruno
Summary: This study investigates the anisotropy of materials' microstructure and morphology in diesel particulate filter (DPF) materials, quantifies the morphological anisotropy using a simple segmentation algorithm, and correlates the anisotropy of the pore space with the microstructure and crystallographic anisotropy of the material.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Jiaqi Jin, Chen-Luh Lin, Jan D. Miller, Chaoxun Zhao, Taiyou Li
Summary: The energy consumed in copper concentrators is largely used to reduce particle size, with potential cost savings by removing low-grade particles before further processing. Micro-XCT and DE X-ray radiography can effectively analyze copper distribution and facilitate metal recovery and mass rejection pre-sorting.
MINING METALLURGY & EXPLORATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stephen O. Ekolu, Fitsum Solomon, Frikkie de Beer, Louisette Bitandi, Rais N. Kilula, Khaya T. Maseko, Fatty G. Mahlangu
Summary: Pervious concrete is a promising technology for treatment of acid mine drainage (AMD) due to its ability to effectively remove heavy metals. However, pore clogging is a common issue during AMD treatment. This study evaluated the pore volume, connectivity, and other parameters of pervious concrete using different methods and found that it can remove 90-99% of various heavy metals from AMD. However, leaching from cementitious materials in the concrete caused an increase in chromium concentration in the treated effluent. Image analysis was found to be a more accurate method for evaluating pore volume, and the falling head permeability test and image analysis were effective in quantifying pore clogging effects. The high pore connectivity of pervious concrete contributes to its efficient hydraulic conductivity.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Navnath S. Indore, Digvir S. Jayas, Chithra Karunakaran, Jarvis Stobbs, Viorica F. Bondici, Miranda Vu, Kaiyang Tu, Omar Marinos
Summary: This study investigated the storage of four varieties of Canadian barley under high moisture content conditions using various techniques. The research revealed changes in the microstructure and nutrient distribution of the barley, highlighting the crucial role of the initial grain structure in determining storage life.
Article
Biology
Robin Kundrata, Gabriela Packova, Kristaps Kairiss, Andris Bukejs, Johana Hoffmannova, Stephan M. Blank
Summary: Advancements in computational and tomographic methods have allowed for detailed descriptions of fossil specimens in amber. This study focused on reconstructing the morphology of a new species of the beetle family Ptilodactylidae from Eocene Baltic amber using X-ray microcomputed tomography. The discovery sheds light on the paleodiversity and evolution of the family as well as the faunal composition of the European Eocene amber forests.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Vitalis Chipakwe, Christopher Hulme-Smith, Tommy Karlkvist, Jan Rosenkranz, Saeed Chehreh Chelgani
Summary: Chemical additives, such as grinding aids, have been shown to improve efficiency and flowability during grinding processes. The study identifies Zalta (TM) VM1122 as the best grinding aid through its mechanisms affecting rheological properties.
MINERAL PROCESSING AND EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY REVIEW
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Pedro A. de S. Bergamo, Emilia S. Streng, Marly A. de Carvalho, Jan Rosenkranz, Yousef Ghorbani
Summary: The mining sector faces a lack of skilled operators, highlighting the importance of simulator-based trainings. With technologies like virtual reality, these trainings have shown to improve workers' awareness and capability, offering a potential solution to the challenges faced in the industry.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
He Niu, Jillian Helser, Ian J. Corfe, Jukka Kuva, Alan R. Butcher, Valerie Cappuyns, Paivo Kinnunen, Mirja Illikainen
Summary: Sulfidic mine tailings, waste materials from mining and mineral processing, can contain high levels of sulfur and metal(loid)s even after bioleaching. A study found that one-part alkali-activated slag mortars are a promising solution for recycling sulfidic mine tailings due to their practicality, easy transportation, and user-friendly production. Incorporating up to 50 wt% mine tailings into these mortars resulted in the formation of C-(N)-AS-H gels and had a significant impact on their physical and chemical properties.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ataallah Bahrami, Reza Hassanpour Kashani, Fatemeh Kazemi, Yousef Ghorbani
Summary: Redox potential plays a significant role in sulfide mineral flotation. This study investigated the metallurgical performance of copper sulfide minerals, molybdenite, and gangue minerals under different pH and Eh conditions. The results showed that adjusting the potential can effectively separate the desired minerals, but it may also cause issues such as misplaced minerals and increased arsenic content.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Glen T. Nwaila, Musa S. D. Manzi, Steven E. Zhang, Julie E. Bourdeau, Lunga C. Bam, Derek H. Rose, Kebone Maselela, David L. Reid, Yousef Ghorbani, Raymond J. Durrheim
Summary: Geological and geophysical models were used to study the gold-bearing Black Reef Formation in South Africa. The study utilized high-resolution 3D reflection seismic data, petrography, and 3D micro-X-ray computed tomography (mu CT) to understand the orebody's features and mineral association. Machine learning was also employed to discriminate between pyrite and gold. These approaches can enhance orebody assessment and be integrated into future geometallurgical frameworks.
NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Ataallah Bahrami, Abolfazl Danesh, Fatemeh Kazemi, Yousef Ghorbani, Morteza Abdollahi
Summary: This study investigated the effect of starch-based flocculant on the efficiency of middle thickener and molybdenite flotation. The results showed that at an appropriate dosage, the addition of starch increased the recovery of molybdenite and reduced the access of copper minerals to the molybdenite concentrate. However, at higher dosages, the trend was reversed.
MINING METALLURGY & EXPLORATION
(2022)
Review
Environmental Studies
Yousef Ghorbani, Steven E. Zhang, Glen T. Nwaila, Julie E. Bourdeau
Summary: The world is experiencing a surge in data generation and digital transformation. Modernized data, especially big data, is essential for modern companies. In contrast, the mining industry is relatively new in terms of using, managing, and governing data, including big data. Dry laboratories, which focus on data-centric experimentation and innovation, can maximize the value of data in the mining industry.
EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Glacialle Tiu, Yousef Ghorbani, Nils Jansson, Christina Wanhainen, Nils-Johan Bolin
Summary: A QEMSCAN (R) study was conducted to investigate the distribution of sphalerite grains with different iron and manganese content during a multi-stage Zn-Pb-Cu flotation process. The study aimed to understand the effect of sphalerite chemistry on grain size and liberation. The results showed that physical factors, such as grain size and liberation, had a more significant impact on sphalerite flotation than the presence of iron and manganese.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Geology
Shang Liu, Hong-Rui Fan, M. Santosh, Xuan Liu, Qi-Wei Wang, Alan R. Butcher
Summary: Scandium (Sc) is a dispersed metal in Earth's lithosphere and is considered a critical metal due to its paramount significance in scientific research and technical innovation. However, its production is significantly hindered by the scarcity of economically viable grades and the market price of Sc oxide is astonishingly high. This review examines the relationships between Sc deposits and specific magmatic, supergene, and hydrothermal processes, as well as discussing the Sc enrichment mechanism and associated tectonics. The resources in the Bayan Obo deposit are discussed in detail as an illustrative example.
INTERNATIONAL GEOLOGY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yousef Ghorbani, Steven E. Zhang, Glen T. Nwaila, Julie E. Bourdeau, Mehdi Safari, Seyed Hadi Hoseinie, Phumzile Nwaila, Jari Ruuska
Summary: Dry labs are specialized laboratories for data usage and creation, closely related to the minerals industry. This paper focuses on the instrumentation and infrastructure needed for accelerating digital transformation in the minerals sector. A critical analysis of literature and current industry configuration reveals similar data management and infrastructure needs across all segments of the minerals industry. As demand for data-driven approaches grows, tools for managing and utilizing such data should evolve in a more transdisciplinary manner. Sustained generation of high-quality data is critical for desirable uses like artificial intelligence-based insight generation.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Yousef Ghorbani, Glen T. Nwaila, Steven E. Zhang, Julie E. Bourdeau, Manuel Canovas, Javier Arzua, Nooraddin Nikadat
Summary: Deep underground mining is being extensively developed due to the depletion of shallow mineral deposits, and it has a lower environmental footprint compared to shallow mining. This paper summarizes the key factors driving deep underground mining, examines the challenges associated with it, and explores solutions provided by recent advances in science and technology.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Steven E. Zhang, Glen T. Nwaila, Julie E. Bourdeau, Yousef Ghorbani, Emmanuel John M. Carranza
Summary: Machine-aided geological interpretation allows for rapid and data-driven decision-making. Integrating machine learning into geostatistics can improve the reliability of mineral resource and ore reserve estimates. In this study, we present a new method using machine learning algorithms to automatically delineate domain boundaries in an orebody. The support vector machine algorithm yielded simple but geologically realistic domain boundaries, leading to better metal reconciliation compared to non-domain-based estimation.
NATURAL RESOURCES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Glacialle Tiu, Yousef Ghorbani, Nils Jansson, Christina Wanhainen, Nils-Johan Bolin
Summary: This study focuses on the geometallurgical characterization of the Lappberget polymetallic sulfide deposit at the Garpenberg mine in Sweden. The research reveals the impact of mineralogy and texture on flotation performance for different ore types, with a particular emphasis on Cu-Pb flotation. The study proposes a geometallurgical characterization approach that relates the deposit's mineralogical and textural characteristics to metallurgical performance.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shayan Khakmardan, Bahram Rezai, Aliakbar Abdollahzadeh, Yousef Ghorbani
Summary: Technology and supply and demand are driving advancements in mineral processing. The mineral processing sector has faced challenges due to increased demand and the need for more advanced ore treatment. In this study, a slime shaking table was tested for recovering precious metal components from copper anode slime. Characterization methods were also used to improve understanding of the copper anode slime particle phases.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laurance Donnelly, Duncan Pirrie, Matthew Power, Ian Corfe, Jukka Kuva, Sari Lukkari, Yann Lahaye, Xuan Liu, Quentin Dehaine, Ester M. Jolis, Alan Butcher
Summary: Black mass refers to mechanically processed end-of-life lithium-ion batteries used for recycling valuable metals such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel, and copper. The complexity of the feed material poses a significant challenge in effective processing. Analytical methods such as automated SEM-EDS, micro X-CT imaging, and micro-XRF were used to characterize the phases and particle chemistry of black mass samples from a European source. The integration of these analytical methods allows for detailed phase characterization and potential guidance for recycling routes and chemical assaying.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Benjamin De Castro, Mostafa Benzaazoua, Soumali Roychowdhury, Aurelie Chopard, Francis Quintal Lauzon, Benoit Plante
Summary: This study proposes an innovative method using deep learning algorithm and reflected light optical imaging to automatically detect all particles and minerals in acrylic resin polished sections. The experimental results show that this method can accurately detect all mineral particles, including transparent minerals, under reflected light optical microscopy, and provide unbiased mineralogical quantification.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Qiushi Song, Xinyu Du, Changlu Shan, Hongwei Xie, Zhiqiang Ning, Kai Yu
Summary: This study investigated the effect of magnetic stirring on the microstructure of Co deposits during electrowinning in a chloride solution. It was found that magnetic stirring effectively reduced the negative influence of H2 bubbles on the structure of Co deposits and changed their nucleation and growth behavior, resulting in the preparation of high-quality columnar Co crystals.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tao Ge, Xiaowei Zhou, Liang Xu, Yan Sun, Cheng Yang, Yongpan Tian, Zhuo Zhao
Summary: In this study, the extraction performance and complexation mechanism of p-di-ethyl-amino-methylthiacalix[4]arene (L) towards Pt(IV) were investigated. The results indicated that L had excellent complexation ability towards Pt(IV) and could selectively extract it from a solution containing multiple competing ions.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuan Li, Dirk van Zyl
Summary: This paper presents a modified Kynch's approach to explain the hindered settling behavior of suspensions impacted by segregation. The experimental data and predicted results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi Fang, Aurora Robledo-Cabrera, Changsheng Peng, Shan Huang, Qi Xiao, Alejandro Lopez-Valdivieso
Summary: With the assistance of mechanical ball milling, the partially oxidized micro-sponge iron (micro-Fe0@Fe2O3) achieves significantly improved removal of Cr(VI) across a broad pH range. Mechanical force eliminates the surface oxide layer and exposes the Fe0 core, leading to sustained reduction of Cr(VI). The efficiency of micro-Fe0@Fe2O3 is strongly influenced by dissolved oxygen, with higher DO resulting in the generation of stable reductant Fe(II) under acidic conditions, while DO consumption hinders the reduction of Cr(VI) under alkaline conditions due to increased pH. Parameters of ball milling operation, especially rotation speed, have a significant impact on the removal of Cr(VI).
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Alton F. Grabsch, Phillip D. Fawell, Michael G. Davies
Summary: High molecular weight partially hydrolysed polyacrylamide (PHPA) is commonly used in mineral exploration drilling to increase fluid viscosity and help maintain the suspension of fine particles. However, clarifying these suspensions can be difficult, and previous studies have found that anionic flocculants are ineffective. This study confirmed that nonionic flocculants can successfully aggregate the particles, indicating that the charged tails of adsorbed PHPA prevent anionic flocculants from accessing the particle surfaces.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
J. S. Guiral-Vega, L. Perez-Barnuevo, J. Bouchard, A. Ure, E. Poulin, C. Du Breuil
Summary: This paper introduces an approach that combines particle properties and process modeling to describe the behavior of iron ore in a laboratory-scale drum-type magnetic separator. Early information on iron ore processing behavior can be obtained through laboratory testing, automated mineralogy analysis, and process modeling.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Sayed Janishar Anzoom, Ghislain Bournival, Seher Ata
Summary: This review discusses the benefits and challenges of coarse particle flotation, as well as recent developments in improving the process. Coarse particle flotation has various applications and offers advantages in technical, economic, and sustainability aspects. However, it also faces challenges such as particle detachment, transfer between phases, and persistence in the froth phase. Technological advancements, such as fluidized-bed flotation and processes enhancing bubble-particle attachment, have shown promising results in efficiently recovering larger particles.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yimei Xiao, Jinchan Feng, Bingqiao Yang, Huihua Luo, Fang Zhou
Summary: In this study, the use of fulvic acid as a depressant for the flotation separation of chalcopyrite from arsenopyrite was investigated. It was found that fulvic acid strongly depressed arsenopyrite while having little influence on chalcopyrite flotation. The addition of calcium hypochlorite facilitated the adsorption of fulvic acid on arsenopyrite surface.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Bo Hao, Minqiang Fan
Summary: Particle-bubble attachment is crucial in coal and mineral flotation processes. In this study, the attachment process of low-rank coal particles to the bubble surface was simulated, revealing the important role of water film rupture in particle attachment.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shuwei Wu, Shuai Wang, Guoqiang Wang, Longfei Fan, Jianbo Guo, Zhengbin Liu, Haoyan Zhang, Wei Guan, Yukuan Wang, Yewei Wu
Summary: This study analyzes the motion mode of eccentric roller crushers and proposes a calculation method for productivity. Through laboratory experiments, the results indicate that the proposed method can effectively estimate the productivity of eccentric roll crushers.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Hanna Miettinen, Malin Bomberg, Ozlem Bicak, Zafir Ekmekci, Paivi Kinnunen
Summary: Mineral processing requires large amounts of water, and reducing water consumption through recirculation and closing water loops is important. However, this can lead to the accumulation of contaminants in the process water, which can negatively affect the process performance. In this study, the impact of microorganisms on flotation performance was investigated, and ion exchange was evaluated for removing dissolved sulfur species and microorganisms from water. The results showed that adding microorganisms had a positive effect on flotation selectivity, especially for nickel. Different water types, process water and final tailings water, behaved slightly differently. Ion exchange proved to be effective in removing sulfur species and microorganisms, and dissolved air flotation was a successful pretreatment for ion exchange in removing microorganisms.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Canneng Chen, Song Zhang, Quanjun Liu, Luzheng Chen, Yongjun Xian, Yijie Wang
Summary: This study introduces the use of ultrasonic pretreatment to enhance the flotation separation of elemental sulfur and silver-bearing lead minerals from ultrafine residue. The results show that ultrasonic pretreatment effectively liberates associated sulfur and improves the separation of sulfur and silver-bearing lead minerals. Under optimized conditions, ultrasonic pretreatment significantly improves the recovery and grade of sulfur in the concentrate, as well as the recovery of lead and silver in the tailings.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Genzhuang Li, Fisher Wang, Bern Klein, Michael Deal, Aaron Wright, Hector Mezquita
Summary: This paper presents a stress-based approach for predicting and improving large-scale HIG mill performance through experimental testing and model calibration.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Runpeng Liao, Shuming Wen, Jian Liu, Shaojun Bai, Qicheng Feng
Summary: This study demonstrates that the use of a DDA/DDTC mixed collector system can significantly improve the flotation performance of smithsonite. The synergistic effect between DDA and DDTC is confirmed, and the mixed collector system contributes to a decrease in solution surface tension. The use of FT-IR and XPS confirms the simultaneous physisorption and chemisorption of DDA and DDTC on the smithsonite surface, and contact angle measurements show that the mixed collector effectively enhances the hydrophobicity of smithsonite. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the multilayer adsorption of DDTC and DDA on the smithsonite surface, with DDTC promoting the adsorption of DDA.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2024)
