A series of aminoamides used for flotation of kaolinite

N-(2-aminoethyl)-dodecanamide, N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-dodecanamide, and N-(3-diethylaminoproyl)-dodecanamide used as collectors were studied for the flotation of kaolinite in the absence of additives at different pulp phs as well as different collector contents. The effectiveness of the long chain aminoamides on pure kaolinite was demonstrated in laboratory scale flotation tests. The adsorption mechanism of the aminoamides onto kaolinite was investigated through zeta potential determinations and infrared spectrometry. The -98 μm size fractions of kaolinite, taken from Jiaxian Henan of China, were used in flotation. The hydrophilic group size of the aminoamides has a relatively less influence upon the floatability of pure kaolinite. The results suggest either the static-electric force or the coordinating bond adsorption mechanism of the aminoamides onto kaolinite depends on pulp pH.