Abstract
A number of studies have suggested that microscale asperities enhance bubble-particle attachment efficiency. However, in practice the roughening of particulate surfaces can also lead to a decrease in flotation. In the present investigation it is proposed that nanoscale asperities may be partially responsible for this phenomenon. It is suggested that as inter-asperity separation distances are reduced capillary effects are enhanced, leading to the formation of stable liquid domains that adversely impact bubble-particle adhesion. In addition, obstruction of surfactant self-assembly may occur, further limiting flotation.
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Brown, S.C., Moudgil, B.M. Influence of nanoscale roughness on surface wettability. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 21, 33–35 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403299
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403299