Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why do air bubbles carry hydrophobic mineral particles to the surface in flotation?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
mineral processing
Schematic diagram of a flotation separation cell.
In mineral processing, air bubbles carry hydrophobic mineral particles to the surface because these particles are unwetted by water.1
When mineral particles are treated with specific chemicals or oils, their surfaces become hydrophobic, meaning they are repelled by water. Because these particles resist wetting, they adhere to the surface of air bubbles introduced into the flotation cell. As the buoyant air bubbles rise through the pulp to the top of the cell, they transport the attached mineral particles with them, forming a froth that can be skimmed off for collection. Conversely, hydrophilic (water-attracting) minerals remain in the pulp and are removed as tailings.12