Role of the network structure of illite in apatite flotation

This study achieved a selective separation through evaluating the role of the network structure of illite in apatite flotation, when flotation performance could not be manipulated through mainly modifying the pulp rheology. The presence of a complex depressant, acidified sodium silicate (ASS), changed both apatite rheology and illite rheology slightly, while apatite and illite settled differently. Focused beam reflectometry (FBRM) indicated that the size of illite network structure was largest at 100 g/t ASS. Combining the rheology, settling tests and FBRM measurements suggested a potential ASS dosage for flotation separation of apatite from illite, which was in accordance with the flotation results. Cryo-SEM observation further verified that face-to-face (F-F) aggregated and edge-to-face (E-F) flocculated association of illite was the ideal mode for selective separation between apatite and illite. The results in this study justified that the network structure of clay minerals has a more direct relationship with the flotation performance.