Enhancing flotation of smithsonite by using 1,3,5-Triazinane-2,4,6-trithione as sulfidation

Abstract

1,3,5-Triazinane-2,4,6-trithione (TMT) was used for the first time as a sulfidation agent in the flotation of smithsonite. Results showed that 80.5% recovery rate could be obtained in the presence of TMT (5 × 10 -5 mol/L) and butyl xanthate (5 × 10 -4 mol/L). However, the recovery rate was only 59.4% when sodium sulfide (5 × 10 -5 mol/L) was used. Micro-flotation test and contact angle measurement showed that TMT activation was better than sodium sulfide activation. Besides, the contact angle increased from 32.44° (untreated) to 89.58° (treated with TMT), which was significantly higher than 50.2° (treated with sodium sulfide). Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR) and Zeta potential test showed the chemisorption of TMT on the smithsonite surface. The results of ICP spectral detection and solution chemistry calculation revealed that Zn3TMT complex precipitates in the smithsonite pulp were formed on the mineral surface at pH 6.5. A hydrophobic film was also formed on the mineral surface after TMT treatment, and more adsorption sites were provided for butyl xanthate. Thus, the adsorption of collector was significantly enhanced.