Colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles in a base fluid, known as nanofluids, have gained attention as a promising green technology with a lot of promise to address issues with sustainability and energy efficiency in a variety of industries. The main features and uses of nanofluids as a sustainable solution are summarized in this paper. Due to their high thermal conductivity and high surface area to volume ratio, nanoparticles give off exceptional thermal and heat transmission capabilities. They are a desirable option for boosting the effectiveness of heat exchange systems, such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and cooling in electronic equipment, due to their improved qualities. Higher heat transfer rates and lower energy consumption can be achieved by using nanofluids as coolants or heat transfer fluids, which lowers greenhouse gas emissions and energy expenditures. Nanofluids have also found use in the realm of renewable energy, where they can improve the performance of geothermal and solar thermal collectors. The capture and conversion of renewable energy sources can be greatly enhanced by using nanofluids as working fluids in these systems, helping to create a greener and more sustainable energy landscape. Additionally, environmental cleanup and pollution management could benefit from the use of nanofluids. They are appropriate for uses including wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup, and air purification because of their special features that allow for effective heat transfer and pollutant absorption. Furthermore, nanofluids can significantly contribute to lowering the amount of water and energy used in industrial operations, thus advancing sustainability objectives. The numerous uses of nanofluids as a green technology are highlighted in this paper, with an emphasis on their potential to improve energy efficiency, lessen environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future. As this area of study and development develops, nanofluids will be in a position to play a crucial part in resolving the urgent problems of our day.
22 March 2024 in Journal of Advanced Research in Micro and Nano Engineering
Due to its potential to increase lubrication effectiveness and reduce wear, nanofluids have drawn substantial interest in the field of mechanical systems. Colloidal suspensions of nanoparticles dispersed across a base fluid to create nanofluids. This comprehensive study's goal is to examine recent developments, scientific discoveries, and possible applications of nanofluids in tribology. The scientific and technical characteristics of materials which move in relation to one another are the subject of the academic topic of tribology. The aim of this review paper includes a thorough investigation of phenomena like lubrication mechanism, wear and friction. Because of their unique features at the nanoscale, nanoparticles offer a special opportunity to mitigate enduring problems in tribological systems. This review critically evaluates the process utilized to create nanofluids, examines their tribological properties, and considers how they affect the effectiveness of how mechanical systems function. The higher lubrication effectiveness and wear resistance are the main points of attention. This study also investigates several methods for characterizing nanofluids to examine their behavior. The assessment also emphasizes important elements that affect the effectiveness of nanofluids, including the composition, concentration, size, and choice of nanoparticles, in addition to the choice of the base fluid. This study examines many problems and probable future endeavors within the industry, encompassing inquiries pertaining to long-term durability, and scalability. The primary objective of this review paper is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current state of nanofluid research within the domain of tribology. The objective is to foster further progress and encourage the extensive adoption of nanofluids as an innovative lubricating technology.
3 April 2025 in Engineering, Technology & Applied Science Research
This review article examines the recent progress in Micro-Friction Stir Lap Welding (μFSLW) of Al-Cu thin sheets, comparing the differences in tool geometry and processing parameters of macro-scale and micro-scale Friction Stir Lap Welding (FSLW) of Al-Cu plates. The effect of microstructural evolution, intermetallic formation, hardness distribution, mechanical joint strength, and electrical conductivity is discussed in detail. The most common defects in μFSLW, such as voids, tunnel defects, and hook formations, along with their impact on heat input and tool movement, are examined. Additionally, strategies to improve joint quality, including the addition of engineering interlayers (e.g. zinc foil) and nanoparticles (e.g. graphene), are explored as they mitigate brittle IMCs, improve grain structure, and enhance both mechanical and electrical properties. Important research gaps, regarding the effects of tool tilt angles and complex tool profiles on the mechanical and electrical joint properties, are highlighted as the potential benefits of assistive technologies, such as ultrasonic vibration, assistive heating and cooling, and assistive magnetic field. Future work is essential to enhance the μFSLW of Al-Cu, investigating complex tool geometries, and improving process parameters.
18 December 2024 in Journal of Advanced Research in Numerical Heat Transfer
Microfluidic technologies and nanofluids represent a synergistic combination with significant potential for enhancing heat transfer and thermal management applications. This study investigates the thermal and flow characteristics of a 0.001 wt.% alumina (Al₂O₃)-water nanofluid within a custom-designed serpentine microfluidic channel. The nanofluid was prepared and characterized for its thermal conductivity, viscosity, specific heat, and density. Experimental microfluidic studies, supplemented by numerical simulations, were conducted to evaluate the fluid's behavior under controlled conditions. Results indicated a slight increase in thermal conductivity for the Al₂O₃ nanofluid compared to pure water, with increments ranging from 0.16% at 20°C to 0.30% at 80°C, attributed to enhanced Brownian motion of the nanoparticles. Viscosity measurements revealed marginal increases, suggesting minimal impact on fluid flow dynamics. The microfluidic experiments demonstrated a consistent pressure gradient and laminar flow regime, essential for precise control and efficient thermal management. Temperature contours showed effective heat dissipation, with a steady thermal gradient from the inlet to the outlet. The study concludes that low-concentration Al₂O₃ nanofluids can enhance thermal performance in microfluidic systems without significantly affecting flow characteristics, making them suitable for applications requiring efficient heat dissipation, such as electronic cooling and chemical reactions. These findings provide a foundation for future research into higher nanoparticle concentrations and different base fluids, aimed at optimizing the thermal and flow properties of nanofluids in microfluidic environments. The integration of nanofluids with microfluidic technologies holds promise for advancing the performance and reliability of next-generation thermal management systems.
In the present work, hybrid Cellulose Nanocrystal–MXene (CNC–MXene) nanolubricants were prepared via a two-step method and investigated as potential heat-transfer hybrid nanofluids for the first time. CNC–MXene nanolubricants were synthesized via a two-step method by varying the weight percentage of CNC–MXene nanoparticles (ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 wt%) and characterized using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used in conjunction with the miscellaneous design model to identify prediction models for the thermophysical properties of the hybrid CNC–MXene nanolubricant. Minitab 18 statistical analysis software and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Central Composite Design (CCD) were utilized to generate an empirical mathematical model investigating the effect of concentration and temperature. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) results indicated significant contributions from the type of nanolubricant (p < 0.001) and the quadratic effect of temperature (p < 0.001), highlighting non-linear interactions that affect viscosity and thermal conductivity. The findings showed that the predicted values closely matched the experimental results, with a percentage of absolute error below 9%, confirming the reliability of the optimization models. Additionally, the models could predict more than 85% of the nanolubricant output variations, indicating high model accuracy. The optimization analysis identified optimal conditions for maximizing both dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity. The predicted optimal values (17.0685 for dynamic viscosity and 0.3317 for thermal conductivity) were achieved at 30 °C and a 0.01% concentration, with a composite desirability of 1. The findings of the percentage of absolute error (POAE) reveal that the model can precisely predict the optimum experimental parameters. This study contributes to the growing field of advanced nanolubricants by providing insights into the synergistic effects of CNC and MXene in enhancing thermophysical properties. The developed models and optimization techniques offer valuable tools for tailoring nanolubricant formulations to specific tribological applications, potentially leading to improved efficiency and durability in various industrial settings.