Reverse Floc-Flotation of Talc from Chalcopyrite Using Polyvinyl Acetate as a Flocculant: Adsorption and Bubble Capture Studies

• PVAc selectively flocculates ultrafine talc from chalcopyrite, enabling efficient reverse flotation separation at a dosage of 40 mg/L. • Hydrogen bonding between PVAc ester groups and talc surface hydroxyls drives selective flocculation, while chalcopyrite lacks binding sites. • PVAc adsorption enhances talc hydrophobicity and promotes bubble-particle attachment by shifting interaction energy from repulsive to attractive. • This study provides mechanistic insights into floc-flotation coupling and expands the use of ester-based polymers for ultrafine mineral recovery.