Formation of tetradecane nanoemulsion by low-energy emulsification methods

Compared with conventional single-phase heat transfer fluids such as chilled water for air conditioning applications, the apparent specific heat of phase change emulsions in the phase change temperature range is greatly increased, thus offering attractive opportunities for heat transfer enhancement as well as thermal energy transportation and storage. Milky white oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions have been formed in the system water/Tween60 + Span60/tetradecane by using several emulsification routes among the low-energy emulsification methods (e.g., phase inversion temperature method). The best emulsification routes for good stability of the resulting emulsions have been determined. Thermal analyses indicated promising properties of phase change nanoemulsions for thermal storage and transport applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd and IIR. All rights reserved.