FTIR analysis of water structure and its influence on the flotation of arcanite (K2SO4) and epsomite (MgSO4·7H2O)

In this regard, FTIR-ATR measurements can also be used to determine the influence of dissolved salts on water structure. After subtraction of the O-H band spectrum of salt solutions from that of pure water, the change in the “ice-like” water structure as influenced by the dissolved salt (K2SO4 and MgSO4) can be observed even in solutions of K2SO4 at low concentrations. In summary, the results from FTIR spectroscopy of solutions show that K2SO4 is a water structure breaker, while MgSO4 is a water structure maker. This conclusion is further confirmed from a macroscopic view point by viscosity measurements. Again for these sulfate salts flotation is achieved with DAH and SDS as collectors if the salt is a water structure breaker.