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Application of repetitive high power (high voltage) nanosecond electromagnetic pulses to improve technological properties of diamond-bearing kimberlites

MetadataDetails
Publication Date2018-11-01
JournalJournal of Physics Conference Series
AuthorsИ. Ж. Бунин, Н. Е. Анашкина, M. V. Ryazantseva
InstitutionsResearch Institute of Comprehensive Exploitation of Mineral Resources
Citations1

In this paper we used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), analytical electron microscopy, microhardness measurements and other methods to study changes in the morphological, structural defects, hydrophobicity, mechanical and technological properties of rock constituents of kimberlite igneous rocks and crystals of natural diamonds exposed to nonthermal action of the repetitive nanosecond electromagnetic pulses. The destruction of secondary mineral surface films, their removal from the diamond surfaces, the growth of crystal hydrophobicity, and an increase in the number of B2 defects were observed after 30-50 seconds of electrical pulse treatment. The obtained result indicates possibility of applying pulsed energy effects to intensify the diamond flotation and to advance efficiency of the weakening of kimberlite rock constituents without damaging the precious crystals and ensuring their preservation by the subsequent grinding of refractory ores.