Preparation and Characterization of Surface Modification of Sphalerite Concentrate with Sodium Lignosulfonate

In order to prevent sphalerite particles from coming together in leaching solution, and to reduce the loss of organic solvent, the surface modification of sphalerite concentrate with sodium lignosulfonate was investigated. The modified sphalerite concentrate particles were characterized by dispersion experiments, determination of adsorption rate of oil, determination of contact angle, FT-IR spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra. The results showed that the modified sphalerite concentrate particles exhibited good dispersibility in water. The sedimentation volume reduced from 0.85 ml•g-1 to 0.61 ml•g-1. The adsorption rate of oil reduced from 0.15 ml•g-1 to 0.06 ml•g-1. The contact angle between sphalerite concentrate particles and water changed from 86.9˚ before modification to 32.7˚ after modification with sodium lignosulfonate. The checking results of FT-IR and XPS spectra indicated that some modification regents were coated on the particle surface. The modifier combined to sphalerite concentrate particle surface through the chemical bond, resulting in the comprehensive stability action of static and steric effect.