Preparation and properties of copper-oil-based nanofluids

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Improving the dispersion stability of nanoparticles in hydrophobic media is crucial for developing advanced functional fluids.
• Oil-based nanofluids offer potential for enhanced heat transfer applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize lipophilic copper (Cu) nanoparticles for improved dispersion in hydrophobic organic media.
• To investigate the transport properties, viscosity, and thermal conductivity of Cu-based oil nanofluids.
• To evaluate the effect of Cu nanoparticles on the thermal oxidation stability of hydrocarbon-based fluids.

Main Methods:

• Surface modification of Cu nanoparticles to enhance lipophilicity and dispersion stability.
• Preparation of oil-based nanofluids using lipophilic Cu nanoparticles.
• Measurement of nanofluid viscosity, thermal conductivity, and hydroperoxide concentration.

Main Results:

• The synthesized lipophilic Cu nanoparticles exhibited improved dispersion stability in hydrophobic media.
• The Cu/kerosene nanofluids showed enhanced thermal conductivity and viscosity compared to the base fluid.
• The addition of Cu nanoparticles significantly improved the thermal oxidation stability, indicated by lower hydroperoxide concentrations.

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified Cu nanoparticles are effective in creating stable oil-based nanofluids with enhanced thermophysical properties.
• Cu-based nanofluids demonstrate potential for improving heat-transfer capacity in hydrophobic systems.
• Incorporating appropriate amounts of metal nanoparticles can enhance the thermal oxidation stability of hydrocarbon fuels.