SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF LIX 64N AND FE3+ DURING COPPER ELECTROWINNING

The synergistic effects of additive LIX 64N and Fe3+ during copper ele ctrowinning from sulphate electrolyte were investigated The results sh ow that the combination of LIX 64N and Fe3+ affects current efficiency , deposit quality, crystallographic orientation and surface morphology of cathode copper. Electrolysis parameters like current density, circ ulation rate and temperature have appreciable influence on the synergi stic effects of LIX 64N and Fe3+. The presence of either LIX 64N or Fe 3+ favoured pyramidal growth whereas their combination promoted ridge type structure. Addition of thiourea not only improved the current eff iciency but also the deposit quality.