The role of surface interaction forces and mixing in enhanced dewatering of coal preparation tailings

► Impact of polyelectrolytes on tailings particles interaction forces examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). ► Optimum polyelectrolyte concentrations for particles to achieve strongest adhesive forces identified. ► Optimum concentrations for highest settling rates during sedimentation were also found. ► The two optima from the AFM and sedimentation were different due to vastly different particles surface areas.