Interfacial fracture of multiphase particles and its influence on liberation phenomena

The phenomenon of liberation of binary phase mineral particles by fracture at the interface is theoretically examined by consideration of the fracture mechanics of brittle solids. Interfacial fracture leading to liberation is naturally predicted by the effect of size on strength which is intrinsic to Weibull statistics. Application of the Brazil test to sphalerite/dolomite specimens confirms the prediction and the presence of a critical size for liberation via interfacial fracture.