Dissolution kinetics of copper, white metal and natural chalcocite in Cl-2/Cl- media

In order to explain the model of kinetics control on the dissolution of met allic copper, white metal, and natural chalcocite, the effects of the stirr ing speed, pH, initial chlorine and chloride concentrations, particle size, and temperature were investigated. The kinetics appear to be mass transpor t-controlled in conditions of full suspension of the particles, with activa tion energies of 17.9 kJ/mol (4.3 kcal/mol), 23.3 kJ/mol (5.6 kcal/mol), an d 22.4 kJ/mol (5.4 kcal/mol) for copper, chalcocite, and white metal, respe ctively. The dependence of pH, temperature, and chloride concentration indi cate that the rates were essentially determined by the concentration of chl orine. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.