Polyacrylamides in reverse cationic iron ore flotation: bench scale study

Abstract A bench scale study was carried out to investigate the influence of polyacrylamides as co-depressant in a blend with starch depressant on the reverse cationic iron ore flotation. The results indicated that the use of polyacrylamides as dual function polymer should be an alternative to improve the flotation process. These polymers act as a depressant and flocculant reagent, decreasing the mechanical entrainment of hydrophilic iron minerals, forming hydrophobic aggregates. Also, the use of polymers as a co-depressant could prevent the possibility of clathrate formation caused by starch ...