Hydrophobic character of semisoluble salt minerals with oleate as collector

The effects of temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and solution chemistry can have a significant effect on the hydrophobic character of semisoluble salt minerals with adsorbed oleate. Measurements of bubble-attachment time and contact angle reveal the sensitivity of these hydrophobic surfaces to changes in such variables. These results suggest that the interaction of the unsaturated oleyl chains is important. This interaction seems to be a rather complex phenomenon and may involve the oxidation of the double bond and subsequent cross-linking between adjacent oleyl chains.