Investigation on leaching of malachite by citric acid

Leaching of an oxidized copper ore containing malachite, as a new approach, was investigated by an organic reagent, citric acid. Sulfuric acid is the most common reagent in the leaching of oxide copper ores, but it has several side effects such as severe adverse impact on the environment. In this investigation, the effects of particle size, acid concentration, leaching time, solid/liquid ratio, temperature, and stirring speed were optimized. According to the experimental results, malachite leaching by citric acid was technically feasible. Optimum leaching conditions were found as follows:the range of particle size, 105-150 μm; acid concentration, 0.2 M; leaching time, 30 min; solid/liquid ratio, 1:20 g/mL; temperature, 40℃; and stirring speed, 200 r/min. Under the optimum conditions, 91.61% of copper was extracted.     

Fabrication and densification enhancement of SiC-particulate-reinforced copper matrix composites prepared via the sinter-forging process

The fabrication of copper (Cu) and copper matrix silicon carbide (Cu/SiC_p) particulate composites via the sinter-forging process was investigated. Sintering and sinter-forging processes were performed under an inert Ar atmosphere. The influence of sinter-forging time, temperature, and compressive stress on the relative density and hardness of the prepared samples was systematically investigated and subsequently compared with that of the samples prepared by the conventional sintering process. The relative density and hardness of the composites were enhanced when they were prepared by the sinter-forging process. The relative density values of all Cu/SiC_p composite samples were observed to decrease with the increase in SiC content.     

Effects of intermediate Ni layer on mechanical properties of Al–Cu layered composites fabricated through cold roll bonding

Layered composites have attracted considerable interest in the recent literature on metal composites. Their mechanical properties depend on the quality of the bonding provided by the intermediate layers. In this study, we analyzed the mechanical properties and bond strengths provided by the nickel layer with respect to its thickness and nature (either powder or coating). The results suggest that bond strength decreases with an increase in the content of nickel powder. At 0.3vol% of nickel coating, we found the nature of nickel to be less efficient in terms of bond strength. A different picture arose when the content of nickel was increased and the bond strength increased in nickel coated samples. In addition, the results demonstrate that mechanical properties such as bend strength are strongly dependent on bond strength.     

Bioleaching of copper oxide ore by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Bioleaching is an environmentally friendly method for extraction of metal from ores. In this study, bioleaching of copper oxide ore by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was investigated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a heterotrophic bactermm that can produce various organic acids in an appropriate culture medium, and these acids can operate as leaching agents. The parameters, such as particle size, glucose percentage in the culture medium, bioleaching time, and solid/liquid ratio were optimized. Optimum bioleaching conditions were found as follows： particle size of 150-177 μm, glucose percentage of 6%, bioleaching time of 8 d, and solid/liquid ratio of 1：80. Under these conditions, 53% of copper was extracted.