Effect of High Shear Agitation on Surface Properties of Diaspore and Kaolinite

Silicate minerals (such as kaolinite) are common gangues in diaspore type bauxite, which are easy to be mudding and adhered to the diaspore surface in the flotation system, thus affecting the flotation recovery. Fluid flow enhancement with agitation is one of the more effective ways to improve the dispersion of aluminum–silicate minerals and reduce flotation entrainment. Whether high shear agitation could also change the surface properties of mineral particles was investigated through dispersion experiment of diaspore and kaolinite slurry in this paper. The results show that a high turbulence environment was beneficial to enhance the mass transfer of reagents and change the surface properties of mineral particles. With the increase of stirring strength, the contact angle and zeta potential of two minerals were increased at the same dispersant dosage, and the dispersion of two minerals was further improved.