Novel low-foam viscous cationic collector 2-[2-(Tetradecylamino)ethoxy]ethanol: Design, synthesis, and flotation performance study to quartz.

[Display omitted] • 14-2G was first used as the collector in quartz-magnesite reverse flotation. • 14-2G had low foam viscosity which was consistent with the design expectation. • 14-2G displayed excellent selectivity for quartz against magnesite. • 14-2G adsorbed on quartz surfaces by electrostatic force and Hydrogen bonding. A novel cationic surfactant 2-[2-(Tetradecylamino)ethoxy]ethanol (14-2G) was designed and synthesized by introducing the –CH 2 CH 2 OCH 2 CH 2 OH group to tetradecylamine. The structure of 14-2G was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Mass spectrum. The foam performance of 14-2G was tested and first introduced to the reverse flotation system of the quartz-magnesite as a collector. The flotation performance and adsorption mechanisms of 14-2G were investigated by micro-flotation tests, zeta potential, contact angle measurements, FTIR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The foam collapse tests indicated that 14-2G has better foam performance and lower viscosity compared to dodecylamine (DDA). Micro-flotation test results showed that 14-2G exhibited excellent flotation ability for quartz and efficient separation performance of quartz from the quartz-magnesite mixture from natural to weak alkaline pulp pH. The contact angle measurements indicated that 14-2G can enhance the hydrophobicity of the quartz surface more than DDA. The analysis of zeta-potential, FTIR, and XPS results indicated that the adsorption of 14-2G on the quartz surface was due to the combination of electrostatic forces and hydrogen bond forces. The experimental results were consistent with the design expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]