The influence of flotation agent concentration on the wettability and flotability of polystyrene

The fundamental flotation process is the formation of a flocculant by air bubbles and solid particles in an aqueous solution. The behavior of plastic particles is significantly influenced by the wettability of the plastics. In this article the reciprocal relationship between the flotability and wettability of polystyrene was studied at different concentrations of flotation agents, particularly terpineol, polyethylene glycol dodecyl ether, tannic acid, and calcium lignosulfonate. The conclusions obtained demonstrate the dissimilar action of flotation depressants, what means different adhesion mechanisms on a plastic surface.