Hydrophobic Modification of Mineral Particles Based on Cardanol Derivatives and Its RAFT Copolymers

This thesis develops and evaluates polymeric flotation collectors synthesized via RAFT polymerization using biobased cardanol. These collectors enhance the recovery of fine particles and improve the selective flotation of chalcopyrite. In addition, small molecular collectors derived from cardanol were synthesized and shown to adsorb effectively onto hematite and quartz surfaces, boosting flotation performance. Surface analysis confirmed their attachment. This research demonstrates the potential of renewable cardanol as a sustainable raw material for high-performance, eco-friendly flotation reagents. The use of cardanol-based collectors contributes to reducing the carbon footprint in mineral processing.