FTIR AND FLOTATION INVESTIGATION OF THE ADSORPTION OF ETHYL XANTHATE ON ACTIVATED AND NONACTIVATED SULFIDE MINERALS

The adsorption of ethylxanthate on pyrite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and sphalerite has been studied using FTIR-ATR techniques and microflotation. Non-activated minerals and minerals activated with copper sulfate have been investigated at different pH values and xanthate concentrations. Diethyl dixanthogen is formed on non-activated pyrite, pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite. Iron xanthate co-exists with diethyl dixanthogen as a monolayer form on pyrite and a copper xanthate surface compound coexists with diethyl dixanthogen on chalcopyrite. After copper sulfate activation a copper (I) type xanthate compound exists on all of the minerals studied. Acidic pH favours the adsorption of ethyl xanthate on non-activated minerals, whereas the neutral pH range is most favourable for xanthate adsorption on activated minerals.