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Description
This study seeks to utilise both computational density functional theory (DFT) and micro-flotation experiments to understand the interaction of xanthates and dithiocarbamate with galena minerals under acidic and neutral conditions. The relaxed structural lattice parameters were recorded as a = b = c = 5.935 Å. The galena (100) surface was determined as the most stable surface and possessed a surface energy of 1.5 J/m2. Upon adsorption simulation, it was evident the SIBX was the most strongly adsorbed collector on the surface of galena compared to SNBDTC. This corresponded well with recoveries from micro floatation as SIBX under basic pH had the highest recoveries (97.2%). DTC showed much more differentiation in distinguishing between acidic and basic conditions. This aspect of the micro floatation depicted the selective capacity of DTC. The computational collector adsorption results complemented the experimental recoveries. The varied conditions in both the computational and experimental aspects agreed and thus facilitating a better understanding on the efficiency of recovering galena minerals.
Keywords: Xanthate, Dithiocarbamate, micro floatation, Galena
| Apply for student award at which level: | Honours |
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