Silylated Thiol-Containing Cellulose Nanofibers as a Bio-Based Flocculation Agent for Ultrafine Mineral Particles of Chalcopyrite and Pyrite

Abstract A considerable amount of very fine particles can be found, e.g., stored in tailing ponds, and they include valuable or hazardous minerals that have the potential to recovered. Selective flocculation, i.e., formation larger aggregates from specific minerals, offers a promising approach improve recovery ultrafine particles. This study focuses on use new bio-based flocculation agent made silylated cellulose nanofibers containing thiol-functional moiety (SiCNF). Flocculation was performed separated systems mineral dispersions pyrite, chalcopyrite, quartz aqueous alkaline medium. The performance SiCNF addressed terms turbidity reduction floc size, results were compared with commercial anionic polyacrylamide. exhibited removal efficiency approximately 90%–99% at concentration 4000–8000 ppm chalcopyrite whereas suspension significantly lower (a maximum 30%). sulfide formed flocs size several hundreds micrometers. turn did not form any visible flocs, dispersion still had milky appearance after dosing 12,000 flocculant. These open path for investigation as selective minerals. Graphical