PurposeThe present findings aim to investigate the thermal behavior of water-based nanofluid flow over a rotating surface, focusing on understanding the effects of different types of nanoparticles on thermal efficiency, considering thermal radiation and variable viscosity effects. By considering four distinct nanoparticles – silicon dioxide titanium dioxide, aluminum oxide and molybdenum disulfide – the study aims to provide insights into how nanoparticle addition influences heat production, thermal boundary layer thickness and overall thermal performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs computational methods, utilizing the BVP mid-rich algorithm for the solution procedure. The computational approach allows for a detailed investigation of the thermal behavior of nanofluid flows across a rotating surface under varying conditions.FindingsThe study concludes that adding nanoparticles in the base liquid increases heat production in the system, resulting in enhanced thermal boundary layer thickness. The comparative analysis shows that different nanoparticle types exhibit varying effects on thermal efficiency, suggesting that careful selection of nanoparticles can optimize heat transport and thermal management processes. Moreover, there's a noteworthy uptrend in the radial velocity profile concerning the stretching parameter, whereas a converse trend is observed in the thermal profile.Originality/valueThis study contributes original insights by comprehensively investigating the thermal behavior of water-based hybrid nanofluid flow over a rotating surface.