Floatability of barite particles with different shape and roughness

Abstract

In this article, different mill (ball, FOCI and autogenous) products of barite mineral were characterized in terms of their shape., roughness and wettability. 2D shape parameters were measured by the particle projections using SEM and expressed by elongation and roundness. Surface roughness values were determined and stated as the parameters of R-a value Oil the surface of the compressed discs. The wettability characteristics (y(c)) of barite were determined by microfloation and contact angle measurement techniques. Finally, some correlations were established between the shape parameters. Surface roughness values and the wettability characteristics. In conclusion, the degree of hydrophobicity was favoured with elongation, while it was not favoured with roundness and roughness regardless of the type of the mill used.