**1.1 Colloidal chemistry in froth flotation**

Amongst the various beneficiation/upgradation technologies of Mineral processing, froth flotation is the most innovative and ingenious process development for the treatment of low-grade ore fines, slimes and tailings [2–4]. The basis of separation in froth flotation process rely on the surface state and colloidal chemistry of the particles and chemical reagents [5, 6]. Adsorption of the surfactants/reagents at the mineral solution interface is of the major importance for the behaviour of mineral particles in the solution and for the successful execution of the froth flotation [7].

Grinding of ore for liberation inevitably results distribution of particle sizes. Colloidal chemistry also plays a role between particle sizes and contact angle in the physio chemical processes [8].

Flotation process is not fully interpretable and remains a challenge, as it requires a good understanding of the interactions involved between the major phases (macro processes) and the number of inter related events (micro processes), as represented in **Figure 2.**

Adsorption of simple ions will determine the change of surface characteristics of the particles in the pulp/slurry phase and therefore affect the colloidal stability and the adsorption behaviour of reagents on the mineral surface. A comprehensive understanding of the flotation colloid chemistry is essential to enhance flotation performance and adapt them for treatment of more complex and low-grade ores.

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process.

**Figure 2.**

*Application of Colloids and Its Relevance in Mineral Engineering*

Colloidal chemistry plays an important role in flotation particularly surface and interfacial forces (Vander Waals, electrical double layer, hydrophobic, hydrodynamic, hydration, and adhesion forces) are of great importance in order to understand interparticle, interbubble and bubble-particle interaction mechanisms. However due to complexity of flotation system and difficulty in experimental verification and due to various particle size range, the physicochemical principles of

The concept of surface energy provides a satisfactory basis for explaining a wide range of "capillary phenomena", many of which are pertinent to the flotation

1.Th e shape s of liquid drops, bubbles, or menisci at equilibrium, either with or

3.The vapour pressure over curved interfaces of droplets or small particles.

4.The growth of particles (or bubbles) at the expense of smaller ones, either

5.The creepage or retraction of a film of liquid over another liquid or solid.

6.The establishment of an equilibrium angle of contact of a liquid on a solid

7.The accumulation of one or more components at an interface — adsorption.

flotation colloid interactions are still not fully understood.

2.The internal pressure difference across curved interfaces.

**2. Surface energy in Froth flotation**

*Different colloidal phases and interfaces of froth flotation [7].*

without deformation by gravity.

through the vapour phase or via a solvent.

substrate — as governed by Young' s equation

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95337*

**Figure 1.** *Important role of Colloid chemistry in mineral processing [1].*

*Application of Colloids and Its Relevance in Mineral Engineering DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95337*

*Colloids - Types, Preparation and Applications*

**1.1 Colloidal chemistry in froth flotation**

physio chemical processes [8].

in **Figure 2.**

interactions in the dispersed phase. Different mineral beneficiation processes along

Along with the application in Mineral industry, colloidal chemistry has the application in non-mineral industry also in deinking, waste water treatment etc. We can't just use the word colloid science, in this modern era, interdisciplinary is more accurate word for Mineral Engineers as it has been justified. Fine mineral particles (colloidal particles), when present in slurry exert an affect on the ionic environment surrounding the particle. To understand or to get an extensive knowledge about colloidal systems in mineral processing, a knowledge on basic surface science is required. So, as flotation, flocculation are (physico-chemical surface based separation processes), involves the application of certain surfactants in the slurry phase, hence valuable understanding of intermolecular forces at the interfaces in mandated.

Amongst the various beneficiation/upgradation technologies of Mineral processing, froth flotation is the most innovative and ingenious process development for the treatment of low-grade ore fines, slimes and tailings [2–4]. The basis of separation in froth flotation process rely on the surface state and colloidal chemistry of the particles and chemical reagents [5, 6]. Adsorption of the surfactants/reagents at the mineral solution interface is of the major importance for the behaviour of mineral particles in the solution and for the successful execution of the froth flotation [7]. Grinding of ore for liberation inevitably results distribution of particle sizes. Colloidal chemistry also plays a role between particle sizes and contact angle in the

Flotation process is not fully interpretable and remains a challenge, as it requires a good understanding of the interactions involved between the major phases (macro processes) and the number of inter related events (micro processes), as represented

Adsorption of simple ions will determine the change of surface characteristics of the particles in the pulp/slurry phase and therefore affect the colloidal stability and the adsorption behaviour of reagents on the mineral surface. A comprehensive understanding of the flotation colloid chemistry is essential to enhance flotation performance and adapt them for treatment of more complex and low-grade ores.

with the application of colloid chemistry are depicted in **Figure 1.**

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**Figure 1.**

*Important role of Colloid chemistry in mineral processing [1].*

#### **Figure 2.** *Different colloidal phases and interfaces of froth flotation [7].*

Colloidal chemistry plays an important role in flotation particularly surface and interfacial forces (Vander Waals, electrical double layer, hydrophobic, hydrodynamic, hydration, and adhesion forces) are of great importance in order to understand interparticle, interbubble and bubble-particle interaction mechanisms. However due to complexity of flotation system and difficulty in experimental verification and due to various particle size range, the physicochemical principles of flotation colloid interactions are still not fully understood.
