The effect of polymer adsorption on the wetting properties of partially hydrophobized magnetite

► Cationic, anionic, and non-ionic polymers adsorbed on magnetite coated with surfactant. ► Ammonium polyacrylate improved wetting of magnetite coated with surfactant. ► Hydrophilic polyacrylate chains shielded adsorbed surfactant from the water phase. ► Polyacrylate adsorbed on magnetite via calcium ions. ► Contact angle remained low at high pH and after storing magnetite in air for 24 h.