The effect of Al(III) and Fe(III) ions on the flotation behavior of k-feldspar with sodium oleate as the collector

Abstract

The present study investigates the effects and mechanisms of aluminum (Al(III)) and iron (Fe(III)) ions on the flotation efficiency of potassium feldspar (K-feldspar) within oleate collector systems. The study employs micro-flotation experiments, solution chemistry calculations, zeta potential measurements, and FT-IR and XPS analyses to demonstrate that Al(III) and Fe(III) ions can significantly improve the flotation recovery of K-feldspar by altering its surface charge, bonding properties, and adsorption modes. The study also develops adsorption models for the flotation of K-feldspar activated by Al(III) and Fe(III), revealing the synergistic impacts of metal ion hydrolysis products and sodium oleate in the formation of hydrophobic complexes.