The adsorption of polysaccharides onto mineral surfaces: an acid/base interaction

Natural polysaccharides such as starch, dextrin, guar gum, cellulose and their derivatives are promising non-toxic organic depressants. Although generally perceived as non-selective, these polymers have found use in commercial processes or have been tested in laboratories in practically all flotation systems involving every type of minerals. In this communication, the adsorption mechanisms of natural polysaccharides are reviewed, with the objective of promoting the wider applications of the polymers. While it seems generally accepted that natural polysaccharides interact with minerals via surface metal-hydroxylated species, an acid/base interaction model between the natural polysaccharides and mineral surfaces is proposed to explain many observed adsorption and flotation phenomena. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.