A New Frontier in Functional Fluids: Nano Lubricating and Thermally Conducting Fluids
摘要
Functional fluids are formulated from a range of premium quality base oils using advanced additive technologies. Nanoparticles dispersed in liquid media are known as Nanofluids. In this chapter we give an overview of the present international scenario of Nanofluids research, followed by synthesis methodologies for a few selected Nanofluids. We also focus on the primary objectives of current Nanofluids research. The chapter also describes (i) the novel methods of nanoparticles synthesis and their stable dispersion in fluids to prepare Nanofluids; (ii) the potential applications of Nanofluids in lubrication and thermal management and some of the key challenges in this field viz. high heat transfer efficiency and lubricity; and finally (iii) the probable mechanism for enhanced thermal conductivity and lubricity.