Dispersive effect of low molecular weight sodium polyacrylate on pyrite-serpentine flotation system

In this work, the dispersive effect of low molecular weight sodium polyacrylate (PAAS) on serpentine, and its dispersion mechanism were systematically investigated through zeta potential measurements, micro and batch flotation as well as adsorption tests. At pH 5, where flotation of iron sulphide was routinely performed, pyrite and serpentine minerals were oppositely charged, and therefore they were attracted to each other. Slime coatings of serpentine adhered to the surface of pyrite, decreasing the adsorption density of a collector on the pyrite surface, but also reducing the flotation recovery. PAAS increased the flotation recovery of pyrite by promoting dispersion between pyrite and serpentine. The effective flotation separation of pyrite from the refractory iron sulphide ore was possible by using PAAS as a dispersant. Anionic PAAS adjusted the surface potential of serpentine through adsorption on the serpentine surface and changed the interaction between pyrite and serpentine particles from attractive to repulsive, and then dispersed pyrite and serpentine.