The understanding of the adsorption mechanisms of collectors is of primary importance for the optimization and, eventually, the feasibility of the flotation process. Although anionic collectors are included in the main reagents used in various flotation systems, only a few studies of adsorption of these reagents in silicate flotation systems have been carried out when compared with the large number of studies developed with sparingly soluble minerals and oxides. The present work makes a concise revision of the adsorption mechanisms for the main anionic silicate collectors, carboxylic and sulfonic acids and sulfates. Carboxylic acids are emphasized due to their ability to form insoluble salts with metallic cations.
Flotation; silicate; collector adsorption
