The relative contact angle (?RCA) for seven iron ore fines was measured by
using Washburn Osmotic Pressure method under laboratory conditions. By
choosing cyclohexane as the reference that can perfectly wet iron ore
particles, the relative contact angles were measured and varied from 57? to
73?. With the volume % of goethite (?G) as the variable, a new model for
relative contact angle was developed. The expected relative contact angle for
pure goethite is about 56?, while that for goethite free samples is about
77?. Physical properties, such as surface morphology (SMI) and pore volume
(Vpore) can influence the relative contact angle. The ?G can be expressed as
a function of SMI and VPore. Thus, we inferred that the relative contact
angle is a function of ?G for the iron ores used. The measured relative
contact angles were found to be in good agreement (Radj 2 >0.97) with the
calculated ones based on the research from Iveson, et al. (2004). Comparing
with the model developed by Iveson et al.(2004), the new model for contact
angle proposed in this paper is similar, but more detailed with two
meaningful physical parameters. The modification of physicochemical
properties on iron ores would be another topic in the further study on
granulation.
Contact angle of water on iron ore fines: Measurement and analysis
