Temperature sensitive polymers as efficient and selective flotation collectors

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 which acts as both selective flotation collector and flocculant in the flotation of ultrafine particles.

Induction time and microflotation measurements indicating the selectivity of cationic and anionic PNIPAM towards quartz and alumina particles respectively.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Temperature responsive polymers are evaluated as selective collectors.
► Particle/bubble attachment and floatability of minerals are measured.
► Anionic polymer selectively enhances floatability of alumina particles.
► Cationic polymer selectively enhances floatability of quartz particles.