Hydrophobic interaction Among many particles

The basic interfacial process in flotation is selective hydrophobization (or lepophiliza-tion) and hydrophilization of particulate matter. The role of the solution chemistry is very important in flotation as it is determined by the dissolution behavior of mineral particles in the aqueous solution (pulp) and subsequent dissociation, hydrolysis and precipitation of the soluble species the dissolution, association, dispersion and emulsion behavior of various flotation reagents in the pulp and interactions among reagents with both soluble and surface species of minerals. The efficiency of flotation and separation of mineral particles and consumption of reagents are thus controlled by the solution chemistry of the pulp. As other processes such as oil displacement are also governed by such interactions and in turn by the wettability of the solid surface, the study of solution chemistry of surfactant/mineral/additive systems become very important for the development of many technologies. 

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