NALYSIS OF FUNCTION OF COPPER SULFIDE NANOPARTICLES AS SPHALERITE FLOTATION ACTIVATOR
The authors compare the effect exerted by copper ions and sulphide copper nanoparticles on flotation of Gorevka deposit sphalerite using potassium n-butyl xanthate and in reagent-less regime. Covelline-like colloid particles 4–8 nm in size, obtained in interaction of copper (II) and sulfide ions in aqueous solutions, are characterized using the methods of dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy and diffraction. Sphalerite surface after reaction with copper ions and CuS dispersoid solutions are described by zeta-potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It is found that sphalerite flotation after activation with nanoparticles is lower than with copper ion solutions of the same concentrations, and improves with increasing duration of activation and flotation processes. The mechanism of CuS nanoparticles consists in creation of active centers for the collector to attach to, which intensifies the hydrophobic behavior and adsorption of the collector. Moreover, CuS nanoparticles promote formation of a special microrelief of the solid–liquid interface, which ensures rupture of liquid film and attachment of sphalerite particles to air bubbles when they collide.