Adsorption of nano-entities (nano-cellulose and nano-chitin) on quartz and magnetite was investigated as a function of pH with measurement of Zeta potential as a tool. The results show strong adsorption of the nano-entities on both minerals, leading to charge reversal. However, the adsorption appears to be largely non-preferential over the concentration and pH ranges investigated.

Micro-flotation results show that both nano-entities float quartz to the same extent, and that the same is true for magnetite. However, the amount floated is higher for quartz. There is also an indication that Chitin at pH 8 has some preference for quartz over magnetite.

Mini-flotation results for mineral mixtures at pH 8 with Chitin and flotation reagents show that Chitin can selectively float quartz for the given conditions, but the recovery is low. If oleate is added, the selectivity is lost. This means that the nano-entity is probably not a cationic activator, rather it induces some little hydrophobicity to the quartz surface on its own.