Dependence of morphology on anionic flotation of alumina

Morphological features of particles upon size reduction affect flotation recoveries in terms of kinetics, bubble-particle interactions and even suspension properties. The significance of surface roughness and shape factor of particles on flotation recovery and their underlying mechanism has been shown to be of importance. Towards this aim, a series of micro-flotation tests have been performed with original, ground and ground-abraded alumina particles in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate collector in order to demonstrate the influence of morphological features on flotation recoveries. The flotation results are discussed with the help of literature data on shape and roughness of various types of particles. •The effect of shape and roughness constituting morphological properties on anionic flotation of alumina was studied.•Anionic flotation of alumina particles produced under controlled grinding and abrasion conditions was studied to isolate the effect of shape from roughness at different SDS dosages.•The dependence of shape on alumina particles showed that more angular particles resulted in higher flotation recoveries.•The dependence of roughness on alumina particles enhanced flotation recoveries up to moderate SDS concentrations, whereas it declined at higher SDS addition.