| abstract |
A plurality of collection surfaces for use in an aqueous slurry has a polymeric coating to provide a compliant and sticky surface. The polymer coating has a chemical to render the surface hydrophobic so as to attract hydrophobic or hydrophobized mineral particles in the slurry. The substrate can take the form of a conveyor belt, a bead, a mesh, an impeller, a filter or a flat surface. The substrate can also be an open-cell foam. The collection surfaces having the mineral particles attached thereon are caused to interact with liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide so that the mineral particles can be stripped from the collection surfaces. |