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The fundamental surface properties of different particles play an important role in the hydrophobicity and flotation performance of minerals. In recent years, the influence of surface physical properties on the hydrophobicity and flotability of minerals has garnered significant attention, revealing a positive correlation between surface roughness and flotation performance. This paper analyzes the effects of roughness on the mineral characteristics and flotation process. An in-depth review of the methods for measuring and modifying mineral surface roughness to comprehensively analyze its effects on flotation performance is also included. The methods for modifying mineral surface roughness include physical methods, chemical methods and the utilization of nanoparticle collectors. Additionally, this paper explores the role of molecular simulation, a fast-approaching powerful tool for investigating reagent-mineral interactions. Here, the influence of changes in the molecular model of minerals on their wettability in simulation techniques is discussed, to facilitate the application of surface roughness in mineral flotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flotation process of micro-fine minerals have historically been hampered by slow flotation rate, poor selectivity, high reagent consumption, and low recovery. These disadvantages are mainly due to the large specific surface area attributed to the small-sized mineral particles. As such, research have revolved around enhancing their recovery by process intensification as one of the known effective methods. Micro/nanoparticles, on the other hand, possess many attributes, for instance, strong chemical activity, high reactivity, high surface free energy, and large adsorption capacity, all of which can contribute to improve the separation of micro-fine minerals. The mechanisms and preparation methods of nanoparticle collectors (NPCs) as well as ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) are described in this paper. Furthermore, the influences of NPCs and UFBs on the flotation of micro-fine minerals are also discussed. NPCs and UFBs are capable of providing hydrophobicity selectivity to the desired minerals to improve the flotation performance of mineral particles. This paper offers an overview of the underlying properties of NPCs and UFBs in intensifying flotation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]