Formation and breakage of chalcopyrite aggregates produced by anionic polyacrylamides: Influence of polymer molecular weight and shear conditions

Abstract

Flocculation-flotation is an important process for the treatment and recovery of fine particles. This study investigates the influence of polymer molecular weight (MW) and shear environment on the aggregation behaviour of fine chalcopyrite particles treated with anionic polyacrylamides (APAM), under a typical range of flocculation-flotation conditions. High-resolution in-situ images were obtained to measure aggregate size using Image Derived Chord Length Distributions (ID-CLD). The relationship between polymer MW and shear-induced forces was analysed along with aggregate formation and breakage kinetics, breakage reversibility and aggregate regrowth. The results indicate that the aggregates t..