Research on aggregation settlement of fine quartz by quaternary ammonium salt

In order to investigate the mechanism on aggregation settlement of fine quartz by quaternary ammonium salt,the aggregation settlement of fine quartz was carried out using different concentration of quaternary ammonium salt,i.e.,1231,1431,1631 and 1831.The effect concentration of quaternary ammonium salt on agglomeration settlement behavior of fine quartz particles was investigated by determining the light transmittance of supernatant fluid,sedimentation rate,Zeta potential and FTIR spectra.The results prove that within the concentration range of this study,high concentration of 1231( ≥0.8 mmol/L) can improve hydrophobic aggregation of quartz.The concentration of 1431 is very effective on hydrophobic aggregation of quartz under the concentration between 0.1 mmol/L and 1.6 mmol/L.As well,the concentration of 1631 and 1831 are very effective on hydrophobic aggregation of quartz under low concentration( ≤0.2 mmol/L). In addition,high concentration of 1631 and 1831( ≥0.4 mmol/L) may weak the aggregation settlement of fine quartz.Quaternary ammonium salt physically is found be adsorbed on the surface of quartz.