Structure Identification of Adsorbed Anionic-Nonionic Binary Surfactant Layers Based on Interfacial Shear Rheology Studies and Surface Tension Isotherms.

Mixtures of anionic sodium oleate (NaOl) and nonionic ethoxylated or alkoxylated surfactants improve the selective separation of magnesite particles from mineral ores during the process of flotation. Apart from triggering the hydrophobicity of magnesite particles, these surfactant molecules adsorb to the air-liquid interface of flotation bubbles, changing the interfacial properties and thus affecting the flotation efficiency. The structure of adsorbed surfactants layers at the air-liquid interface depends on the adsorption kinetics of each surfactant and the reformation of intermolecular forces upon mixing.

A critical review on turbulent collision frequency/efficiency models in flotation: Unravelling the path from general coagulation to flotation.

Flotation is a very important separation process in the mining industry. In addition, it finds important application as a water treatment process. The better design of flotation devices and operation strategies requires development of reliable and consistent mathematical models.