Abstract
Abstract In the present study, the effect of using various surfactants on viscosity measurements and stability of nanofluids that can be used in heat transfer systems as working fluid have been investigated. Measurements were conducted on nanofluids containing activated carbon (C), alumina (Al2O3) and copper oxide (CuO) in water (H2O) and ethylene glycol (EG) as base fluids. The results revealed that Cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) increased the viscosity of C/EG and Al2O3/H2O nanofluids with an enhancement percentage of 67.5% and 261.3% respectively. Arabinogalactan (ARB) increased the viscosity of C/H2O nanofluids with an enhancement percentage of 81%. CTAB and ARB created a shear thickening behaviour for CuO/H2O nanofluids whereas sodium lauryl sulphate (SDS) and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) were independent of shear rate. The addition of ARB to C/H2O and CuO/H2O nanofluids presented the best stability that kept nanoparticles in suspension for more than 20 days compared to other surfactants used.
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