Study on floc-flotation of fine molybdenite particles

The factors, namely, non-polar oil, pH of slurry and energy input, which have an influence on the hydrophobic flocculation of fine molybdenite particles, are investigated in this paper. The flotation results show that the effect of hydrophobic flocculation of molybdenite particles could be largely enhanced by non-polar oil addition and appropriate energy input. Meanwhile, the best condition of flotation for the formation of the hydrophobic flocculation of fine molybdenite particles is in weak acid solution. Conversely, the flotation results fall substantially in alkaline condition, thus lower the floatability of molybdenite.