Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC)
What is MIBC?
Methyl isobutyl carbinol is an organic chemical compound commonly used as a “frother” in mineral flotation and in the production of lubricant oil additives. Frothing, also known as froth flotation, is the process of selectively separating hydrophobic valuable minerals from hydrophilic waste gangue. In its simplest form, froth flotation is a method whereby minerals can be “skimmed” from the surface of “slurry” that is “foamed” with the assistance of specific chemicals, water and air bubbles.
Why MIBC?
Compared to other frothers, Celanese’s MIBC product offers fast kinetics and excellent selectivity, and it forms dry but easy-to-break froths – increasing both the yield and the efficiency of mineral and metal recovery efforts. This technique results in an industry-leading way to separate valuable minerals from extracted ore.
MIBC chemical can also be used in the production of lube oil additives (ZDDP) and for anti-wear and corrosion inhibitors – such as in the manufacture of brake fluid – and as a precursor to some plasticizers.
Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol (MIBC) for frothing solutions
Froth flotation is used in the mining industry to selectively separate valuable hydrophobic minerals from hydrophilic waste gangue. This technique is especially useful for separating a wide range of sulfides, carbonates, and oxides prior to further refinement. MIBC is used as a frother in the flotation process. MIBC absorbs at the water-air interface, aids in the production of bubbles, and stabilizes the flotation froths. Two major types of frothers in commercial use today are short chain aliphatic alcohols and polyglycols.