The ash of burnt inflorescence of Elaeis guineensis (oil palm tree) was found to contain 99% potassium hydroxide (caustic potash). The crystals of the caustic potash were used to synthesize potassium ethylxanthate (KEX) at optimum temperature of about 45°C. The flotation tests carried out showed that over 200% recovery was achieved during the concentration of galena mineral. Physical characterisation and ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis showed the presence of an alkali xanthate as the collector specie.
G.O. Onyedika and E.N. Ejike . Collector Ability of Potassium Ethylxanthate Synthesized with Caustic Potash of Elaeis guineensis on Sulphide Minerals.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/rjasci.2007.277.279
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-932x/rjasci.2007.277.279