Effect of Chitosan Surfactant Concentration on the Thermal Conductivity and Viscosity of Al2O3 + CNT Hybrid Nanofluid

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of chitosan surfactant concentration on the thermal conductivity and viscosity of Al2O3 + CNT/water hybrid nanofluid is reported. SEM was used to characterize the nanoparticles. The hybrid nanofluid of 0.01% volume fraction was prepared with 1:1 ratio of Al2O3& CNT nanoparticles. Different concentrations of chitosan surfactant as 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, and, 1.25 wt.% are employed as stabilizers. Zeta potential measurements were carried out to check the stability of prepared hybrid nanofluid. Thermal conductivity and viscosity of hybrid nanofluid were measured at a constant temperature of 25°C. Finally, the optimum concentration of surfactant using the results obtained is determined.For the most stable suspension, thermal conductivity ratio is 1.0065 and viscosity is 30.2% more than that of the base fluid.