Selectivity of composite thionocarbamate collector in flotation separation of chalcocite from pyrite in low-alkaline pH pulp
摘要
The flotation separation of high pyrite content secondary copper ores faces challenges including elevated pH levels, poor xanthate selectivity, and higher costs associated with its combination with Z-200. In this work, a composite thionocarbamate collector (TJ-215), with low-cost raw materials and a short synthetic route, showed a better selectivity for chalcocite than Z-200 when pH>8. Zeta potential analysis indicated a stronger interaction between TJ-215 and chalcocite. These results were achieved through the synergistic coordination of NH—C=S and C=N—OH in TJ-215 molecule, compared with the single thiourea group, NH—C=S, in Z-200 molecule. At low-alkaline condition, the NH—C=S in TJ-215 formed Cu—S, Cu—N bonds with Cu atoms, and the C=N—OH combined with Cu to form a Cu—O bond. The results of this study provide guidance on the replacement of Z-200 by TJ-215 in the separation of chalcocite from pyrite in weak alkaline conditions.