LAUSR

Abstract A novel approach to apply Triton X-100 (TX-100) surfactant as depressant in reverse flotation of non-coking coal fines, which is different from the conventional use of dextrin as an depressant. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle and induction time instruments were used to analyze the mechanism of high-concentration TX-100 depressing the floating of coal particle. FTIR results revealed that TX-100 could physically adsorb on the surface of coal. Contact angle results showed the higher concentration of TX-100 aqueous solution was more likely to wet the surface of TX-100-treated coal, slowing down the film thinning and rupture rate during bubble-coal adhesion. In high-concentration TX-100 aqueous solution, the bubble surface was modified by the coverage of TX-100 molecules, which makes bubble difficult to adhere to coal particle. Induction time results showed the adhesion probability of coal particle and bubble gradually decreases with the increase of TX-100 concentration.