Thermal characterization of a nanofluid comprising nanocrystalline ZrO2 dispersed in water and ethylene glycol |
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| Authors: | M Chopkar PK Das |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kharagpur 721302, India;2. Department of Mechanical Engineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kharagpur 721302, India |
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| Abstract: | Nanofluids, comprising Y2O3-stabilized (partially; 3?mol%) ZrO2 nanoparticles (up to 2?vol%) dispersed in water and ethylene glycol, were developed. A suitable surfactant and stirring routine ensured uniformity and stability of dispersion. Thermal conductivity ratio of the nanofluids, measured using an indigenously developed thermal comparator device, showed a significant increase of up to 100% with only 1.5?vol% nanoparticles. Furthermore, it was analytically shown that shape factor and aspect ratio significantly influence the effective thermal conductivity ratio of nanofluids with comparable vol% nanoparticles. The study demonstrated that a nanofluid of nano-ZrO2 dispersed in water and ethylene glycol could be usefully applied in closed-loop single-phase heat transfer conditions, such as in refrigerators or microchannels. |
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