Longmuir-Blodgett technique is one of the most promising techniques for preparing insoluble thin films as it enables the precise control of the monolayer thickness, homogeneous deposition of monolayer over large areas, possibility to make multilayer structures with varying layer composition etc. Langmuir developed the fundamental methodology to measure the properties of insoluble monolayer as a function of their surface concentration, leading to the determination of molecular dimensions.

Using LB equipment a technique has been developed for characterizing and predicting the performance of flotation collectors based on property-performance relationship between collector performance and surface film pressure. The experimental data are presented for oxide minerals (iron oxide). Collectors chosen are those which are tested for flotation performance, namely oleic acid (found most effective in the present case) and tallamine (least effective). It became apparent during the course of this investigation that the more effective collector causes greater reduction in surface film pressure compared to the less effective one, which is most desirable for an effective collector. Therefore, the study of physical characteristics of collectors prior to flotation can be useful in flotation and selection of suitable collectors. The results obtained demonstrate the usefulness of the surface film pressure measurements in selection of flotation collectors for optimum performance. This approach not only gives quantitative measure for choosing most effective collector but additional data supporting the disjoining pressure mechanism of flotation.