Research Progress of Interface Reaction in Mineral Flotation

Mineral flotation is an efficient and low-cost technology in mineral processing industry. The targeted mineral particles separated from other mineral particles in pulp by means of the differences in physical and chemical properties of mineral surfaces. Interface reactions generally occur during flotation process, but it is an elusive question for mineral flotation. Until now, in the field of mineral flotation, the principle of interfacial reaction is not completely clear, the process control is not precise enough, and the innovative researches are expected.

During flotation process involving interfacial reaction, the characteristics of the contact surface between the two phases, various chemical substances on the surface (including the type, content, state of existence and property) and various chemical reactions occurred under certain condition has great influence on the enrichment of valuable minerals. For these research difficulties, explaining the principle behind and achieving precise control could significantly improve the enrichment efficiency of valuable minerals, and supplement and enrich the relevant theory.

This Research Topic aims to collect diverse and impactful short communications, research articles and review articles that address a wide range of topics pertinent to interface reaction in mineral flotation. The scope of this Research Topic is inclined to the interaction between flotation reagents and mineral particles, bubbles and mineral particles, mineral particles and mineral particles are focused in this Research Topic. The research object is not limited to metallic mineral, nonmetallic mineral, coal and other mineral species.