Synergistic mechanism of dodecylamine/octanol mixtures enhancing lepidolite flotation from the self-aggregation behaviors at the air/liquid interface

Surface tension measurements and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to explore the flotation foam properties and self-aggregation behaviors of dodecylamine (DDA)/octanol (OCT) mixtures formed with different mole ratios at the air/liquid interface. Based on the surface and thermodynamic parameters, the DDA/OCT mixtures exhibited greater interfacial activities and adsorption capacities than their individual components. The MD simulations showed that DDA and OCT were aggregated through hydrogen bonding, coulombic forces and hydrophobic association. OCT was inserted into the DDA adsorption layer, causing the alkyl chains of both DDA and OCT to extend from water to air at varying heights and angles. The addition of OCT improved the hydration of the amino groups and reduced the overall number of hydrogen bonds. The stability of the flotation foam decreased, and the high viscosity and difficult defoaming of the DDA flotation foam were significantly improved. When the DDA/OCT mole ratio was 2:1, the included angle formed between the alkyl chains and the interface was maximized, leading to enhanced compatibility among the alkyl chains, and the hydrogen bond energy was relatively large, which showed a strong synergistic effect. The MD simulation findings were consistent with the results obtained from the lepidolite flotation and surface tension experiments conducted in this study; our results could provide a theoretical foundation for the selection of superior mixed collectors and frothers.