Experimental investigation and mechanism analysis: Effect of concentration and temperature on the heat transfer characteristics of novel MWCNT-mustard oil nanofluid

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The bio-oils as alternative lubricating fluid are potential solution for the automotive and industrial mechanical systems. The development of novel renewable and non-toxic bio-oils with better heat transfer distinctiveness will strengthen the economy of farmers in the agricultural based countries. The most innovative approach to improve the heat transfer characteristics of bio-oils is converting it into nanofluids by dispersing nanomaterials which has extremely high heat transfer characteristics. In this study, MWCNT-Mustard oil nanofluids were formulated through ultrasonication and their dispersion stability was estimated through Zeta-potential technique.  The thermal stability of the MWCNT-Mustard oil nanofluids are estimated through thermogravimetric analysis and concentration and temperature dependent density, thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of MWCNT-Mustard oil nanofluids are also determined and their characteristics are discussed. The heat transfer characteristics of MWCNT-Mustard oil nanofluids observed through the heat pipe test rig at different inlet temperatures, mass flow rate of nanofluids and Reynolds number. The results exhibits that the dispersion of MWCNT enhances the heat transfer characteristics of MWCNT-Mustard oil nanofluids.

KEY WORDS: Non-toxic bio-oils, Nanomaterials, Nanofluids, Thermogravimetric analysis, MWCNT, Mustard oil

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 675-686.                                                               

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.16