Enhancement of KCl flotation through crystallization regulation during carnallite decomposition

Particle size and surface morphology have a substantial influence on flotation. Conventional grinding methods usually destroy the surface morphology while controlling the particle size. In this work, we propose a new strategy to control particle size and morphology through crystalizing regulation instead of grinding to protect the crystal face in the flotation process. Scanning electron microscopy results illustrate that the surface morphology of crystallization-regulated particles is better protected than grinding-regulated particles. The superior flotation effect of the crystallization-regulated products was validated by micro-flotation tests. The mechanism of enhanced flotation by crystalline modulation was further analyzed with the help of induction time, adhesion-desorption force, collector adsorption, and theoretical calculations, which showed that the crystallization-regulated products were more hydrophobic and had more stable adherence to the flotation bubbles. The innovative method of crystalline modulation developed in this work to improve the flotation effect provides a novel way to protect the crystal shape for the efficient flotation of potash salts, which is of great significance for the reduction of cost and increase of efficiency in the flotation process of potash salts.