Effect of Dextrin on Pyrite Depression in Sulfide Cu Ore Flotation Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract In this study, the effect of dextrin as a depressant in the flotation of a pyrite-containing sulfide copper ore sample was investigated. The central composite design (CCD) method was used to investigate the effect of dextrin in the flotation experiments. The effects of variables such as pH, depressant amount, and collector amount on copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) grades and recoveries were optimized and modeled. The zeta potential values and sedimentation behavior of the sample were determined, and the concentrates obtained from the flotation experiments were analyzed using SEM-EDS and FTIR. Flotation results indicated that dextrin had a good depressant effect on pyrite and was successful in separating chalcopyrite from pyrite. Pyrite depression is thought to be caused by increased surface hydrophilicity, which is due to the abundant OH − groups in the dextrin structure and the high pH. SEM and SEM-EDS analyses revealed high Fe, S, Si, and O contents in the sample, while the concentrate obtained at the optimum experiment had high Cu and low Si and O contents. Dextrin has been determined to have the potential to be used as a selective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly depressant for the depression of pyrite in Cu flotation.