Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity of fullerene-based nanofluids

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Thermodynamics

Background:

• Carbon-based nanofluids (CbNFs) are explored for advanced heat transfer applications.
• Thermal conductivity (λ) is a key property for nanofluid performance.
• Fullerene (C60) is a carbon allotrope with potential in nanofluids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the thermal conductivity (λ) and thermal diffusivity (a_T) of fullerene (C60)-based nanofluids.
• To investigate the effect of temperature on these properties.
• To compare experimental results with theoretical models.

Main Methods:

• Transient multi-current hot wire technique used for measurements.
• Tested C60 nanofluids in liquid phases (1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene and 1,2-dicholorobenzene).
• Measurements conducted at atmospheric pressure across a temperature range of 254-323 K.

Main Results:

• Thermal conductivity (λ) of C60 nanofluids decreased with increasing temperature, similar to base liquids.
• Addition of C60 reduced the thermal conductivity compared to base liquids.
• Thermal diffusivity (a_T) showed minimal variation between C60 nanofluids and base liquids.

Conclusions:

• Fullerene (C60) addition decreases thermal conductivity in the studied liquid phases.
• Temperature has a similar effect on the thermal conductivity of base liquids and C60 nanofluids.
• The minor changes in thermal conductivity result in negligible changes in thermal diffusivity.