Electrokinetic Properties of Cassiterite and Quartz Particles in the Presence of Cationic, Anionic and Non-ionogenic Surfactants

Abstract

The surface charge properties of cassiterite and quartz particles in primary amine hydrochloride, sodium oleate, sodium dodecyl sulphate, phenyl disodium orthophosphate, 4-nitrophenyl disodium orthophosphate and starch solutions have been monitored using particle microelectrophoresis. The zeta potentials of the oxides and their isoelectric points (IEPs) were determined as a function of pH in the presence of different surfactant concentrations. In general, cassiterite and quartz particles acquired a negative charge in the various aqueous solutions and were dramatically influenced by both pH and the presence of surfactants. The magnitude of the surface charge varied considerably and could adopt positive or negative values. The IEPs also varied depending on the solution properties.