Partition of pyrite and hematite in aqueous biphase systems: effects of pHand surfactants

The partitioning behavior of pyrite and hematite in the polyethylene glycol (PEG)/Na2SO4/H2O aqueous biphase system was modified by the adjustment of pH and addition of surfactants. Pyrite partitioning was highly dependent up on pH; however, pH had no direct effect on hematite behavior. In the presen ce of xanthate in alkaline and neutral solutions, pyrite transferred into t he polymer-rich phase because of the chemisorption of xanthate on the solid surface. Similarly, oleate increased the partitioning of hematite into the polymer-rich phase under neutral or alkaline conditions. Sodium dodecyl su lfate (SDS) and oleate had no effect on partition of pyrite, and hematite p artitioning behavior was not affected by SDS or xanthate. These results wer e attributable to the limited adsorption of the surfactants on the solid su rfaces. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.