Characterization and Study of the Viscous Behavior of CuO-H2O, EG (Ethylene Glycol) Based Nanofluid

Abstract

Nanofluids are suspensions of nanoparticles in base fluids, a new challenge for thermal sciences provided by nanotechnology. CuO nanocrystals with different shapes, i.e. irregular nanoparticles, nanoplatelets, have been synthesized by controlling a few critical synthesis parameters to explore their catalytic properties. The tested fluids are prepared by dispersing the CuO into water and ethylene glycol at four different concentrations 0.005 %, 0.05%, 0.01% and 0.1% and the mixture of ethylene glycol and water at two different concentrations 0.005% and 0.05%. Viscosity of nanofluid is measured by Brookfield Viscometer (LV DV-IIICP). Experimental results show that viscosity of nanofluids is higher than the base fluid and with increase in concentration it increases and also it is observed that viscosity of nanofluid decreases with increase in temperature. The result shows that the there is a rapid settling of CuO nanoparticles in water as compared to ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol shows Newtonian behavior even at 50oC and also with increase in temperature. The mixture of ethylene glycol and water shows the 7.25% increase in its viscosity when CuO nanoparticles are added at 25oC. The shear thinning behaviour of nanofluid is observed with increase in temperature (25oC to 50oC) and volumetric concentration (0.001% to 0.1%) takes place when the temperature increases even with increase in volumetric concentration.