Thermophysical properties of TiO2/CuO hybrid nanofluids for heat transfer applications

Abstract

ABSTRACT Hybrid nanofluids are emerging as a new generation fluids because of their enhanced heat transport properties. In this work, thermal transport properties were investigated for TiO2/CuO hybrid nanofluids. Morphological characteristics were studied using SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). Elemental composition and average crystallite size were determined using XRD (X-ray Diffraction) and EDX (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy). Hybrid nanofluids were produced by suspending TiO2/CuO nano powder of 1–50 nm into the water. Three different concentrations (0.01%, 0.03% and 0.05%) of the hybrid nanofluids were prepared. Thermal transport properties like density, viscosity, specific heat and thermal conductivity were assessed experimentally. The results depict that the thermal conductivity was enhanced by 65.8% in contrast to the base fluid at a volume concentration of 0.05%. Density, as well as dynamic viscosity, of TiO2/CuO hybrid nanofluids at 0.05% concentration is increased and specific heat is decreased with the increase in volume concentration.