Journal article
Temperature sensitive polymers as efficient and selective flotation collectors
E Forbes, DJ Bradshaw, GV Franks
Minerals Engineering | Published : 2011
Abstract
This study investigates both the efficacy and selectivity temperature responsive of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAM as a flotation collector. The results of this study showed that charged poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) polymers selectively increased both the probability particle/bubble attachment as well as the floatability of coarse alumina and quartz particles respectively. These results provide a basis for considering PNIPAM as both an effective and selective collector in a flotation system. Coupled with previous studies that demonstrate the efficacy of PNIPAM as a flocculant in mineral suspensions, these results clearly demonstrate the potential use of PNIPAM as a dual function reagent w..
View full abstractGrants
Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the following for their helpful contribution to this work: The Australian Research Council, AMIRA International, BHP/Billiton, Rio Tinto, Orica, Anglo Platinum, Xstrata, Freeport McMoran and Areva Inc, through the Australian Minerals Science Research Institute (AMSRI) (LP0667828), for their financial support; Mr Boris Albijanic of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, for assisting with the induction time measurements; Dr. J.P. O'Shea, for synthesising the polymers used in this study; A/Prof Greg Qiao, for his help with polymer synthesis and characterisation and Mr. Hengbao "Alex" Zhang, for assistance in the laboratory.