Experimental stability analysis of different water-based nanofluids

TLDR

Nanofluids have attracted attention for their unique properties, but dispersion and nanoparticle suspension stability are critical challenges. This study aims to develop stable water‑based nanofluids with enhanced thermal characteristics by evaluating different nanoparticles. The authors tested single‑wall carbon nanohorns, TiO₂, and CuO in water using sonication, ball milling, and high‑pressure homogenization, and examined dispersants across concentrations. High‑pressure homogenization yielded the best stability, and adding n‑dodecyl sulfate to SWCNHs‑water and polyethylene glycol to TiO₂‑water further improved stability.

Abstract

Abstract In the recent years, great interest has been devoted to the unique properties of nanofluids. The dispersion process and the nanoparticle suspension stability have been found to be critical points in the development of these new fluids. For this reason, an experimental study on the stability of water-based dispersions containing different nanoparticles, i.e. single wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs), titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) and copper oxide (CuO), has been developed in this study. The aim of this study is to provide stable nanofluids for selecting suitable fluids with enhanced thermal characteristics. Different dispersion techniques were considered in this study, including sonication, ball milling and high-pressure homogenization. Both the dispersion process and the use of some dispersants were investigated as a function of the nanoparticle concentration. The high-pressure homogenization was found to be the best method, and the addition of n -dodecyl sulphate and polyethylene glycol as dispersants, respectively in SWCNHs-water and TiO 2 -water nanofluids, improved the nanofluid stability.