Rheological characteristics of non-Newtonian nanofluids: Experimental investigation

gamma-Al2O3. TiO2 and CuO nanoparticles were dispersed in a 0.5 wt.%. aqueous solution of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to prepare three types of non-Newtonian nanofluids. Rheological characteristics of the base fluid and nanofluids with various nanoparticle concentrations at different temperatures were measured. Results show that all nanofluids as well as the base fluid exhibit pseudoplastic (shear thinning) behavior. The rheological characteristics of nanofluids and those of the base fluid are functions of temperature and particle concentrations. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.