Contact between a gas bubble and a solid surface and froth flotation

Abstract

The process of formation of the contact silica surface/air when pressing a liquid meniscus on to the solid/liquid interface is investigated. The kinetics of expansion of the contact area and the final states characterized by contact angles in both directions (by spreading and withdrawing of the contact) are examined. Preliminary data about the effect of surfactants on the velocity of expansion of the contact and on the contact angle and its hysteresis are presented. The new methods applied in the investigations are described. The results are compared with flotation experiment data.