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Application of SAXS to study particle-size-dependent thermal conductivity in silica nanofluids.

Journal Article · · J. Nanoparticle Res.

Knowledge of the size and distribution of nanoparticles in solution is critical to understanding the observed enhancements in thermal conductivity and heat transfer of nanofluids. We have applied small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to the characterization of SiO{sub 2} nanoparticles (10-30 nm) uniformly dispersed in a water-based fluid using the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory. Size distributions for the suspended nanoparticles were derived by fitting experimental data to an established model. Thermal conductivity of the SiO{sub 2} nanofluids was also measured, and the relation between the average particle size and the thermal conductivity enhancement was established. The experimental data contradict models based on fluid interfacial layers or Brownian motion but support the concept of thermal resistance at the liquid-particle interface.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
Sponsoring Organization:
SC; Michelin American Research and Development Corp.
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
937008
Report Number(s):
ANL/ES/JA-59872
Journal Information:
J. Nanoparticle Res., Journal Name: J. Nanoparticle Res. Journal Issue: 7 ; Oct. 2008 Vol. 10; ISSN 1388-0764
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH

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