Work

Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Application of a Cationic Thermo-Responsive Copolymer Based on [2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium Chloride and N-Vinylcaprolactam for Use with Butyl Xanthate in the Flotation of Ultrafine Chalcopyrite

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The flotation of finely divided chalcopyrite and quartz was investigated using a combined reagent system based on butyl xanthate and a thermosensitive cationic copolymer. Copolymers of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride and N-vinylcaprolactam (co(METAC/NVCL)), prepared by RAFT polymerisation, were used as the polymer components. Their structure and physicochemical properties were investigated using IR and NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and thermal analysis. Flotation tests were carried out on an artificial mixture of chalcopyrite and quartz in a mass ratio of 1:1 at pH 8.5 and temperatures of 20–50 °C. At 40 °C, the combined use of a 70:30 copolymer and butyl xanthate, with each component at a concentration of 5 mg/L, resulted in a copper recovery of 77.68% when the copper content in the concentrate was 30.90%, and a SiO2 recovery of 5.78%. Compared with the xanthogenate process, copper recovery increased by 5.62%, whilst SiO2 recovery decreased by 1.10%.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym18212654

Authors: Nazira Samenova, Nessipbay Tussupbayev, Bakyt Daulet, Sabira Narbekova, Zarina Kenessova

Institutions: Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Satbayev University, "Institute of Metallurgy and Ore Beneficiation" JSC

Language: English

Topic: Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258

Funder: Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan