Separation of cerussite and calcite by flotation using tert-butylbenzylhydroxamic acid collector and insights to its adsorption mechanism

In this study, a modified hydroxamic acid collector, tert-butylbenzylhydroxamic acid (TBHA), was used as a collector and applied to the flotation separation of cerussite and calcite. The results of single-mineral flotation experiments showed that TBHA had excellent collecting effect on cerussite, and when acidified water glass (AWG) was used as the depressant, TBHA could realize the efficient flotation separation of cerussite and calcite. The adsorption mechanism of TBHA was investigated by adsorption amount, Zeta potential, FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. The results of adsorption amount showed that TBHA adsorbed more on cerussite under the same conditions; the results of Zeta potential, FTIR and XPS showed that TBHA could be selectively adsorbed on the surface of cerussite in the presence of AWG. In summary, TBHA was adsorbed on the surface of cerussite by chemisorption, which enhanced the hydrophobicity of the cerussite surface. Therefore, TBHA has great potential in the flotation of cerussite.