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In this paper, surface modification of cerussite by thermochemical processing with pyrite was studied based on microflotation tests, X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Microflotation test results showed that the surface modification facilitated flotation of the treated cerussite and improved the flotation recovery to approximately 90%. The results of XRD analyses confirmed that cerussite was transformed into massicot, which then interacted with pyrite to form PbS, PbSO4, PbO·PbSO4 and 4PbO·PbSO4. XPS analyses results revealed that both PbS and PbS2 were formed on the mineral surface, and the percentage of PbS increased with increasing FeS2/PbCO3 (F/P) mole ratio, which was advantageous for the flotation of the modified cerussite. EPMA analyses showed that particles with layered configurations were obviously formed after thermochemical processing. The thickness of the products at the outer layer of the particles increased when the F/P mole ratio increased. Moreover, the S and O contents in the products increased and decreased, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of pH on surface characteristic and flotation of sulfidized cerussite was studied by micro-flotation tests, dissolution experiments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The micro-flotation tests demonstrated that higher recovery of cerussite was achieved in acidic solutions than that in alkaline solutions. Despite the addition of high collector concentrations, cerussite flotation did not improved in alkaline solutions. The dissolution performance of sulfide-treated cerussite at different pH values indicated that the lead sulfide layer on the surface of sulfide-treated cerussite could exist in acidic solutions and it was more stable at acidic pH than in alkaline solutions. This finding was proved by the SEM-EDS and XPS analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaching kinetics of cerussite in alkaline medium was investigated with respect to experimental variables such as sodium hydroxide concentration, temperature, particle size and stirring speed. The results showed that leaching reagent concentration and reaction temperature exerted significant effects on the extraction of lead, whereas particle size and stirring speed exhibited a relatively moderate effect on the leaching rate. The leaching process followed the kinetic law of the shrinking core model, and the dissolution rates were controlled by the surface chemical reaction with an apparent activation energy value of 43.79 kJ/mol. A corresponding dissolution kinetic equation was also proposed to describe the dissolution reaction. The results indicated that sodium hydroxide could be used as an effective leaching reagent for extracting lead from cerussite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissolution kinetics of cerussite was investigated using methanesulphonic acid (MSA) as an alternative leaching reagent. The effects of particle size, stirring speed, acid concentration, and reaction temperature on the lead dissolution rate were determined. The dissolution process followed the kinetic law of the shrinking-core model, and a corresponding mixed control model was found suitable for representing the rate-controlling step. The mixed kinetic model comprised two stages: surface chemical reaction (283 K to 303 K) and diffusion through the product layer (303 K to 323 K). The activation energies of these sequential stages were 43.20 kJ mol−1 and 17.20 kJ mol−1, respectively. The corresponding dissolution kinetic equations are also presented to describe the dissolution reaction. The results indicated that methanesulphonic acid could be used as an effective leaching reagent for extracting lead from cerussite minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]