Effective flotation separation of brucite and serpentine using eco-friendly PCE-11 as a novel regulator

In this study, sodium oleate (NaOL) was employed as a collector to examine the role and adsorption mechanism of a novel regulator, the polyether polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE-11), in the flotation separation of brucite and serpentine. Efficient separation of brucite and serpentine was achieved under the reagent system with the PCE-11 dosage of 600 mg/L, NaOL dosage of 320 mg/L, and pulp pH of 11. Surface wettability analysis revealed that PCE-11 diminishes the hydrophobicity of serpentine in the NaOL system. Zeta potential analysis and adsorption capacity analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in NaOL adsorption capacity on the serpentine surface following interaction with PCE-11. Infrared spectrum analysis and XPS analysis revealed that PCE-11 is adsorbed on the surface of both brucite and serpentine, with a certain number of Mg sites remaining bonded to NaOL after PCE-11 occupies part of the Mg sites on the brucite surface. However, PCE-11 impedes NaOL adsorption on serpentine surfaces, enhancing the floatability difference between the two minerals.