Polymer flocculation is a widely used tailings treatment to accelerate consolidation of dispersed solids and subsequent water release. Due to poorly understood flocculation mechanisms and inherent varaiability in these systems, the performance of the utilized polymers in reduction of the solids content through efficient intraparticle network formation is largely unpredictable. We developed the non-invasive fluorescence/reflectance imaging technique to in-situ monitor the flocculation process and subsequent sedimentation, dewatering and consolidation process in 3D. We also work on developing models to link microstructural parameters obtained from 3D images to the rheology of the flocculated tailings systems.

One of the emerging treatment options is the use of nanoparticles in destabilization of tailings systems but its mechanism is not well understood. To bridge this gap, Dr. Trifkovic's Research Group studies the effect of surface modified nanoparticles on the tailings flocculation process using different concentrations of nanoparticles and agitation conditions. The destabilization mechanism and subsequent network formation in the sediment are studied using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), paired with rheological study of the sediment strength evolution. This project resulted in the recent launch of a start-up company EnviCore, which is funded through the government GreenSTEM program.

EnviCore's