Abstract: Pyrite is commonly found in non-ferrous sulfide ores. Pyrite is prone to oxidation,and after oxidation,the physical and chemical properties of the mineral surface change,which in turn affects the floatability of the mineral. Using oxidation tests,flotation tests,and detection analysis,study the oxidation characteristics of pyrite and the impact of oxidation on its floatability. The results of single mineral oxidation tests show that the degree of oxidation of pyrite in air,water,hydrogen peroxide or potassium permanganate aqueous solutions gradually increases with time. The degree of oxidation of minerals in hydrogen peroxide and potassium permanganate aqueous solutions is greater than in water and air;The flotation test results before and after single mineral oxidation show that the recovery rate of pyrite increases and decreases after oxidation in air,water,and hydrogen peroxide aqueous solutions,and decreases after oxidation in potassium permanganate aqueous solution;The flotation test results of the artificial mixed ore of pyrite and quartz (with quartz accounting for 1/3) are similar to the conclusions of the single mineral test;The oxidation mechanism of pyrite and its interaction with butyl xanthate were studied using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR),Zeta potential,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The mechanism analysis results showed that butyl xanthate produced chemical adsorption on the surface of pyrite. After oxidation,the zero point of pyrite shifted towards the direction with lower potential,and after interaction with butyl xanthate,the zero point shifted slightly. Both iron and sulfur in pyrite underwent oxidation. The experimental research results can provide reference for regulating the floatability of pyrite and improving the flotation process of pyrite containing ores.

Key words: pyrite,oxidation,flotation,floatability,chemical adsorption