The number of studies addressing kaolinite flotation is steadily increasing, mainly, due to Chinese research contributions. The Chinese bauxites present high amounts of aluminosilicates, for example kaolinite, hindering the application of the Bayer process to the ore. Herein are presented the results of kaolinite microflotation tests with three amines: dodecylamine (primary amine), Flotigam EDA (etheramine), and Duomeen T (fatty amine). Dodecylamine and Flotigam EDA presented enhanced collecting action at the concentration of 1x10-4 mol/L. Duomeen T was effective at a higher concentration, 1x10-3 mol/L. The kaolinite isoeletric point, determined by zeta potential measurements, occurred at pH = 4.6. The kaolinite zeta potential determinations, in the presence and absence of dodecylamine and Flotigam EDA, showed that the amine presence in the system changes the isoelectric point. This change suggests that collector adsorption occurred on the kaolinite surface.
Kaolinite; amine; microflotation; zeta potential
