This paper investigated the effects of using or not using potassium butyl xanthate (PBX) as a collector on the flotation kinetics of talc and chalcopyrite. By means of atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a contact angle measuring instrument and particle size analyzer, the underlying causes behind the flotation rate changes of talc and chalcopyrite are analyzed. Experimental results showed that in collectorless flotation, the law of change in the flotation rate constant (k) of the two minerals over time is independent of pH, and k values of chalcopyrite are much smaller than those of talc. In the presence of PBX, the flotation speed of chalcopyrite greatly increases, and the k values of chalcopyrite are far larger than those of talc. This is mainly because the amount of xanthate adsorbed on the surface of chalcopyrite is large and the adsorption is in the form of chemisorption, while the adsorption of xanthate on the talcum surface is in very small amounts and in the form of physical adsorption. Simulation results indicated that the collectorless flotation of chalcopyrite conform to the classical first-order kinetics model and the Kelsall model, whereas that of talc only conform to the latter, which is due to the layered structure of talc. In the presence of the collector, talc flotation conforms to the two model, because talc has a higher floatability and particle morphology has less influence on the flotation rate.

The hydration of different active MgO under an unforced and ultrasonic condition was conducted in this paper to investigate the chemical kinetics model of the apparent reaction and discuss the mechanism combined with the product morphology. The dynamics fitting result shows that both the first-order and multi-rate model describe the hydration process under ultrasound well, while only the multi-rate model was right for the hydration process under an unforced condition. It indicated that the rate order of hydration was different in the hydration process under an unforced condition. The XRD and SEM show that the MgO hydration was a process of dissolution and crystallization. Part of the magnesium ions produced by dissolution of MgO did not diffuse into the solution in time, and adhered to the magnesium oxide surface and grew in situ instead. As a result, the difference in the hydration rate of the remaining MgO particles becomes wider and not in the same order (order of magnitude). The ultrasonic cavitation could prevent the in-situ growth of Mg(OH)2 crystal nuclei on the surface of MgO. It not only greatly improved the hydration rate of MgO and produced monodisperse Mg(OH)2 particles, but also made the first-order kinetics model fit the hydration process of MgO well.

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Magnesium hydroxide (MH) whiskers were modified via in situ polymerization of n-butyl acrylate and maleic anhydride. Sodium dodecyl sulfonate was used as emulsifier. The modifying effect was evaluated by using contact angle and activation index. The thermal stability, functional groups, structure, morphology, phase composition and surface element valence of MH whiskers were characterized by thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Results reveal that the contact angle and activation index of modified MH whiskers are 105°a nd 76.5%, the thermal stability shows little change, and the decomposition temperature ranges between 38 and 419°C. The copolymer of n-butyl acrylate and maleic anhydride absorbed on the surface of MH whiskers leads to the increased diameter and makes the surface of whiskers be rougher. Furthermore, the absorption of element C on the surface of MH whiskers increases, and the diffraction intensity of C 1s spectra increases; thus, the compatibility of whiskers in the organic phase can be improved significantly. Lastly, the surface molecular model of MH whiskers modified via in situ copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate and maleic anhydride is established.