Abstract:Flotation mechanism of kaolinite was investigated through flotation test, SEM analysis and quantum chemical simulation calculation. It is shown that the (001) face of kaolinite easily adsorb cationic collector to exhibit hydrophobicity; the (001^-) face is easily interacted with the reagent carrying the group of high electronegativity (-O-, -N-, F-) to show hydrophilicity. The cationic and anionic polyacrylamide are adsorbed onto the (001^-) face of kaolinite and the flocculation of kaolinite particles may take place; the (001) faces are exposed to interact with cationic collector to be rendered hydrophobicity. Thus, the macromolecules can evidently enhance the flotation of kaolinite in alkaline media.

Key words: cleavage face; flotation; modified macromolecule; flocculation; kaolinite