Flocculation and Dewatering Mechanisms of Pyrite Flotation Tailings: Synergistic Roles of Polyferric Chloride, Polydiallyldimethylammonium Chloride, and Skeleton Builders on Microstructure Evolution

Abstract

This study investigates the conditioning and deep dewatering of pyrite tailings slurry using a composite system comprising polyferric chloride (PFC), polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC), and fly ash as a skeleton builder. The synergistic application significantly enhanced solid–liquid separation, reducing the filter cake moisture content to 53.6% and the capillary suction time (CST) to 15.1 s. Based on settling and dewatering kinetics, the optimal dosages were established as 5 g/L PFC, 10 mL/L PDMDAAC, and 20 g/L fly ash. Characterization via SEM, XPS, and FTIR elucidated the underlying mechanisms: PDMDAAC facilitated fine particle aggregation through charge neutralization and adsorption bridging, while PFC hydrolysis products reinforced the floc architecture via hydroxyl complexation and sweep flocculation. Crucially, fly ash constructed a robust skeletal framework with efficient drainage channels within the filter cake, effectively mitigating pore clogging. This study provides a high-performance conditioning strategy facilitating the resource utilization of pyrite tailings.