Cyclic voltammetry and dielectric studies on PbS–potassium ethyl xanthate–dextrine system under flotation and depression conditions

Froth flotation technique continues to be one of the most important concentration processes to float ores in a selective form specifically for PbS–ZnS, PbS–CuFeS2 and PbS–ZnS, PbS–CuFeS2 ores. There is an interest in doing research on a clean reagent (biodegradable reagent) to depress lead sulfide ore to control this process and have the appropriate knowledge about the interactions that can occur among galena and dextrine reagent. Cyclic voltammetry, high impedance and flotation test results are compared on a PbS–KEX–C6H8O5 (galena–ethyl xanthate–dextrine) system to obtain the responsible collector and depression products and the suitable conditions to float and depress galena ores. Cyclic voltammetry studies showed the reaction products responsible for the shrink galena ore, in this case the PbC6H8O5 organometallic. Measurements of complex permittivity and dielectric constant, at 100 MHz, by high impedance technique suggested that it is possible to obtain from isotherm adsorption the adequate industrial depressor this being in the range of 20–30 ppm.