Mechanism of Structural Changes in the Surface State and Physicochemical Properties of Columbite and Eudialyte upon Exposure to Low-Temperature Plasma

摘要

The mechanism of change in the structurally sensitive surface characteristics and physicochemical properties of rare-metal minerals (columbite and eudialyte) as a result of exposure to low-temperature atmospheric-pressure plasma is studied by means of DRIFT, analytical electron (SEM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopy, and measuring microhardness, electrokinetic potential, and angles of wetting. Results demonstrate the fundamental possibility of using low-temperature plasma to improve the efficiency of softening and altering the structural and chemical properties, surface hydrophobicity, and sorption activity of rare-metal minerals.