Studies on the interaction of guar gum with chalcopyrite

Adsorption, electrokinetic and flotation studies have been carried out to i nvestigate the interaction of guar gum with chalcopyrite. The adsorption de nsity of guar gum onto chalcopyrite shows a weak adsorption maximum at pH 9 .5. The adsorption isotherms exhibit Langmuirian behaviour. The electrophor etic mobilities of chalcopyrite are decreased in proportion to the added co ncentration of guar gum, notation tests reveal that guar gum depresses chal copyrite in agreement with the adsorption data. Dissolution experiments ind icate release of lattice metal ions from chalcopyrite, while co-precipitati on and conductivity tests confirm guar gum-metal ion interaction in the bul k solution. The pH of maximum co-precipitation between guar gum and copper species is observed in the range 9-9.5. The adsorption process is governed primarily by chemical interaction between the hydroxyl groups of guar gum a nd hydroxylated chalcopyrite apart from hydrogen bonding. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies (XPS) provide evidence in support of the interaction mechanisms proposed.