Grinding of quartz in amine solutions

This study, initiated to investigate the effect of additions of surface active reagents on the wet-grinding of ores, has shown that improved grinding can be obtained at certain levels of amine concentration and pH. At some other levels, amine addition can also produce deleterious effects. The observed effects are discussed with the help of data obtained for flocculation and zeta potential of corresponding quartz/amine systems and those normally obtained for flotation. In addition, results of a photographic study of the milling process has been helpful in the study of the above effects. Most importantly, microscopic examination of the ground product (treated with dispersant and sieved) has clearly shown the possibilities for the existence of major experimental artifacts in the past works. Examination of the product under microscope is necessary to guarantee dispersion, especially if the system has been contacted with a surfactant or polymer.