Comparison between etheramine and amidoamine (N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]dodecanamide) collectors: Adsorption mechanisms on quartz and hematite unveiled by molecular simulations

• Amidoamine N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]dodecanamide has a higher affinity for quartz than hematite . The steric hindrance impairs the adsorption of on surface hematite-(D2). collector-collector interaction energy contributes to organize amidoamine surface. This work describes, at molecular level, differences between etheramine and N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]dodecanamide, conventional silicate collector one not yet used in industrial iron ore flotation, respectively. dynamics simulations showed that this surface, regarding quartz-hematite system, tends be more selective etheramine. explanation behavior is related combination water coordination hematite-(D2) bulky head group amidoamine. Regarding neutral molecules amidoamine, acts as shield, making it difficult adsorption. In relation protonated molecules, (with methyl bonded nitrogen tertiary amine) with causes hindrance, impairing adsorption, while etherammonium cations manage adsorb anyway. Also, amide favors hydrogen-bonding collectors layer, which brings stability layer.