Fundamental study on talc–ink adhesion for talc-assisted flotation deinking of wastepaper

Effective removal of ink particles by froth flotation is of up-most importance in paper recycling. In this study, the potential use of talc particles as carriers of difficult-to-float fine ink particles is investigated. In order to facilitate ink particle removal by carrier flotation, the interactions between talc and oily-ink particles in aqueous solutions containing flotation chemicals are studied by zeta potential distribution measurements and with the impinging jet apparatus. The chemical conditions under which talc–ink aggregation occurs are identified and reported.