Chalcopyrite–quartz mineral surfaces: controlled wetting and spreading by xanthate-tallow diamine emulsions

Abstract

This study investigated emulsions formulated with water-soluble xanthates, including potassium amyl xanthate (PAX) and a novel α-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 400 succinate xanthate (TPGS-X), combined with oil-soluble N-hydrogenated tallow-1,3-propylene diamine (tallow diamine). The emulsion droplets were examined for selective attachment and controlled oil spreading onto homogeneous and heterogeneous chalcopyrite–quartz mineral surfaces, with particular focus on targeting chalcopyrite regions over pure quartz surfaces. The stability and characteristics of kerosene-in-water emulsions containing xanthate and tallow diamine were studied across different pH values, examining both mostly proton..