Designing starches for increased productivity in mineral flotation (2016–2021)

Abstract:
Natural and modified starches are used as depressants and flocculants in mineral flotation, but knowledge of mechanisms describing starch-mineral surface interactions is lacking, particularly with respect to processing base metal sulphides. In this project, the aim is to understand this process and design and develop tailored starch depressant/flocculant biopolymers for mineral beneficiation via the froth flotation process. Newly developed starch characterisation techniques and novel methods for modifying starch structures and functionalities will also be developed. Success in this project will provide new novel manufacturing applications for starch in Australia.
Grant type:
ARC Linkage Projects
Researchers:
  • Professor
    School of Chemical Engineering
    Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
  • Emeritus Professor
    Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation
Funded by:
Australian Research Council