Surface cleaning action of dithiophosphate collector in pyrite flotation

Abstract

The surface cleaning action of collector was studied by comparing surface changes affected by collector adsorption to those induced by ultrasonic cleaning. The effect of dicresyl dithiophosphate (DCDTP) adsorption on the flotation and electrokinetic properties of pyrite was studied, whilst surface alterations were identified by infrared and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic (XPS) analysis. The mechanism of DCDTP interaction with pyrite is intimately linked to the state of pyrite oxidation prior to adsorption. Evidence for the formation of iron hydroxy complexes with DCDTP is presented. DCDTP interaction with pyrite, which surface regions contains significant oxidation products, results in the removal of surface hydrocarbon and sulphate species. Surface cleaning using ultrasonics substantially improves pyrite flotation recovery and rate. This effect is linked to enhanced DCDTP adsorption after ultrasonic cleaning.