A variety of other compounds are added to optimize the separation process, these additives are called modifiers. Modifying reagents react either with the mineral surfaces or with collectors and other ions in the flotation pulp, resulting in a modified and controlled flotation response.
* pH modifiers include lime (used as quicklime CaO, or more commonly as slaked lime, a slurry of Ca(OH)), Soda ash (NaCO), Caustic soda (NaOH), sulfuric and hydrochloric acid (HSO, HCl).
, Ca, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag-->
* Anionic modifiers include phosphates, silicates, and carbonates.
* Organic modifiers include the thickeners dextrin, starch, glue, and CMC.