Review of the potential applications of surfactants in metallurgy: from ore beneficiation to finished product processing

The article examines the multifaceted role of surfactants (surface-active agents, SAA) in metallurgical processes, highlighting their amphiphilic properties that reduce surface tension at phase interfaces, enabling applications in ore extraction, pellet production, agglomeration, smelting, and finished product processing. In ore beneficiation, surfactants enhance flotation, dispersion, and separation, improving mineral recovery while reducing energy and reagent use, though their efficiency depends on ore type and process conditions. In pelletizing, they improve particle dispersion, pellet strength, and binder efficiency but risk excessive foaming and environmental concerns due to low biodegradability. During agglomeration and smelting, surfactants enhance material uniformity, slag flowability, and impurity removal, yet pose challenges like toxic emissions and dosing complexity. In product processing, surfactants improve cleaning, pickling, coating, and corrosion protection, but residues and toxicity complicate their use. The article emphasizes the need for biodegradable surfactants and advanced wastewater 238 treatment to mitigate environmental and economic drawbacks while optimizing metallurgical efficiency.