Experimental Study on the Adsorption Mechanism and Desorption of Guar Gum with Different Structures on Quartz Surfaces

The adsorption and desorption of guar gum on quartz surfaces are particularly concerned in mineral flotation and hydraulic fracturing. The adsorption capacity of GG, HPG, CMG, and CGG in quartz was quantitatively studied by spectroscopy. The adsorption mechanism and desorption of four different structures of guar gum on the quartz surface were investigated using zeta potential, XPS, and adhesion work. The adsorption morphology of guar gum on the quartz surface was studied by AFM. The results showed that the adsorption capacity was CGG > GG > HPG > CMG. The adsorption capacity was reduced after adding urea. There were hydrogen bonding interactions between the four types of guar gum structures and quartz surfaces. There was electrostatic repulsion between the CMG and quartz surfaces and electrostatic attraction was observed between the CGG and quartz surfaces. The adsorption of guar gum with four structures on the surface of quartz was more inclined to the upright form with multiple adsorption sites. Urea preferentially occupied the adsorption sites on quartz surfaces and inhibited the hydrogen bonding between guar gum and quartz surfaces. The research results have practical significance for the related study of the adsorption and desorption of guar gum on mineral surfaces.