Tailoring stability and thermophysical properties of CuO nanofluid through ultrasonication

Abstract

The objective of this research is to examine how ultrasonication time affects agglomeration, stability, thermal conductivity, and viscosity of CuO nanofluid. Using different reaction conditions, distinct shaped CuO nanoparticles are synthesised and dispersed in an EG: DW (70:30) ratio with 0.3 vol%. Microscopic and TEM images are used to analyze colloidal solutions with varying sizes and shapes of nanoparticles. After 30 days of preparation, the zeta potential is measured to ensure that the suspension is stable. The Bridgman equation is used to compute thermal conductivity using sound velocity values. Viscosity of colloidal suspension is measured by viscometer. All of the studies are performed at 30° ± 2 °C room temperature for ultrasonication times ranging from 30-120 min. At an optimal sonication time of 80 min, there is less agglomeration and more stable particle dispersion. In comparison to other morphological suspensions, CuO spherical shape suspended nanofluid has the lowest viscosity and maximum thermal conductivity, as well as the most stable fluid. At the optimal sonication period, measured results demonstrate the thermal increase and decreased viscosity, which could have implications for heat transfer applications.