Selective flotation of ilmenite from titanaugite under weakly acidic pH conditions using 2-amino-1-propanol as novel depressant

Abstract

The potential of 2-amino-1-propanol (AP) as a novel depressant in selectively floating ilmenite from titanaugite under weakly acidic conditions was investigated. Micro-flotation results show that AP significantly reduces the recovery of titanaugite while having no evident impact on ilmenite flotation. Subsequent bench-scale flotation tests further confirm a remarkable improvement in separation efficiency upon the introduction of AP. Contact angle and adsorption tests reveal a stronger affinity of AP towards the titanaugite surface in comparison to ilmenite. Zeta potential measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses exhibit favorable adsorption characteristics of AP on titanaugite, resulting from a synergy of electrostatic attraction and chemical interaction. In contrast, electrostatic repulsion hinders any significant interaction between AP and the ilmenite surface. These findings highlight the potential of AP as a highly efficient depressant for ilmenite flotation, paving the way for reduced reliance on sulfuric acid in the industry.