文摘
The flotation characteristics of native ilmenite (IL-N) and beach placer ilmenite (IL-BP) with sodium oleate (NaOL) were investigated through micro-flotation tests, zeta-potential measurements, absorbed amount measurements, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) analysis. The results show that IL-N can float well at the pH region of 4.5 to 7.5, whereas IL-BP floats well at pH?4.5 to pH?6. The flotation recovery of IL-N is invariably higher than that of IL-BP in alkaline solution. In the presence of NaOL, the zeta-potentials of both minerals are negative in the pH range. The absorbed amount of NaOL increased rapidly with the increase in the pH value in acid solution and decreased rapidly with the increase in the pH value in alkaline solution. In weak alkaline conditions, the ions of Ca (II) and Mg (II) become important activated sites for the adsorption of NaOL onto the ilmenite surface. The FT-IR analysis and absorbed amount measurements verified that the adsorption of calcium oleate and magnesium oleate on IL-N more than on IL-BP at the same pH value. A larger amount of Ca (II) and Mg (II) in IL-N than IL-BP results in good floatability as exhibited in the flotation tests.