Xanthate-functional temperature-responsive polymers as selective flocculants and collectors for fines recovery

Abstract

A novel method to improve the recovery of fines in the flotation process involving the use of a temperature-responsive copolymer poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-ethyl xanthate methacrylate) (PNEXMA) incorporating poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) and xanthate functionality has been investigated. Above a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), the polymer functions as both a collector and flocculant, forming hydrophobic aggregates of the valuable fines that are amenable to beneficiation by flotation. The viability of using PNEXMA for the flotation of sulfide fines has been evaluated based on initial screening with adsorption, contact angle and aggregation studies followed by flotation ..