Investigation of viscosity and thermal conductivity of alumina nanofluids with addition of SDBS

Abstract

The present study focused on thermal conductivity and viscosity of alumina nanoparticles, at low volume concentrations of 0.01–1.0 % dispersed in the mixture of ethylene glycol and water (mass ratio, 60:40). Sodium dodeobcylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) was applied for better dispersion and stability of alumina nanoparticles and study of its influence on both thermal conductivity and viscosity. The thermal conductivity established polynomial enhancement pattern with increase of volume concentration up to 0.1 % while linear enhancement was obtained at higher concentrations. In addition, thermal conductivity was enhanced with the rise of temperature. However, the augmentation was negligible compared to that obtained with increase of volume concentration. In contrast, viscosity data showed remarkable reduction with increase of temperature. Meanwhile, viscosity of nanofluids enhanced with loading of alumina nanoparticles. Thermal conductivity and viscosity measurements showed higher values over theoretical predictions. Results showed SDBS at different concentrations has distinct influence on thermal conductivity and viscosity of nanofluid.