Interfacial Mechanism of Enhanced Coal Flotation Using an Emulsified Collector Regulated by Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol

Abstract

To overcome the limited interfacial interaction between collectors and hard-to-float coal, this study established a composite emulsified collector system using methyl isobutyl carbinol (MIBC) as an interfacial regulating component and Tween 80 as an emulsification stabilizer. The effect of MIBC dosage on the flotation performance and interfacial modification mechanism of the emulsified collector was systematically investigated through multiscale characterization techniques. Results showed that MIBC played a key role in enhancing collector–coal interfacial affinity, promoting the adsorption and distribution of hydrophobic components on the coal surface, and facilitating the formation of a stable hydrophobic adsorption layer. Tween 80 mainly improved the stability and dispersion of the kerosene/MIBC emulsion, thereby enhancing the transport efficiency of collector droplets toward coal particles. Meanwhile, kerosene served as the primary hydrophobic component by providing nonpolar hydrocarbons for surface hydrophobic modification. The synergistic interaction among MIBC, Tween 80, and kerosene optimized the coal–water–collector interface, resulting in enhanced coal hydrophobicity and flotation performance. This study clarifies the functional role of MIBC in regulating emulsified collector performance and provides insights into the development of collector systems for the recovery of hard-to-float coal resources.