Can particle-stabilized inorganic dispersions be high-temperature heat-transfer and thermal energy storage fluids?

Abstract

Particle-stabilized dispersions are considered as potential high-temperature, high-energy–density heat transfer fluids as well as thermal energy storage materials. To be useful practically, these dispersions need to be stable against coalescence and have low viscosity. We present indirect experimental evidence of particle stabilization of Al–Si in NaCl–NaF dispersions with graphite as the stabilizer. We found no evidence of particle stabilization in the same system with boron carbide, silicon carbide, silica, or zirconia as the stabilizer. We also present indirect experimental evidence of particle stabilization in Al/B2O3/C and Al/NaCl–KCl/Al2O3 dispersed phase/dispersion media/stabilizer systems.