title: Direct measurements of particle-bubble interactions.
abstract: The essence of mineral flotation is the formation of strong particle-bubble aggregates. Hydrodynamics and DLVO forces hinder the particle-bubble approach, however the presence of a hydrophobic surface results in hydrophobic attraction and strong aggregate formation. In this article we review literature where the colloid probe technique has been used to investigate flotation, primarily particle-bubble interactions in aqueous solution. In some instance particles-bubble interactions have used to quantify the hydrophobic force, whilst hydrophobic forces are crucial for particle-bubble attachment, studies of hydrophobic forces are not the main focus of this article.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gillies
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kappl
authors.forename: Hans-Jürgen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Butt
mesh_terms: D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D005740:Gases; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D010825:Physics / Q000379:methods; D013499:Surface Properties
chemical_list: D003102:Colloids; D005740:Gases