Process Parameters Effect Investigations on Viscosity of Water-ethylene Glycol-based α-alumina Nanofluids: An Ultrasonic Experimental and Statistical Approach

Stable alpha-alumina-water-ethylene glycol (WEG) based nanofluids with a low viscosity requirement are preferable for promising engineering applications. Viscosity of nanofluids is a significant parameter that decides the flow characteristics and pumping pressure requirements. In this study, alpha-alumina nanoparticles (spherical morphology with 40 nm) dispersed in WEG mixture in a ratio of 50:50 (v/v) using an ultra-sonication process. Further analysis of the effects of process parameters on the viscosity of prepared nanofluid, including volume concentrations (0.01%-0.2%), temperatures (30-45 degrees C), and sonication times (0-4 h). A decrease in viscosity of 11.36% was observed for 0.2% volume concentration as sonication time increased from 0 to 3 h at a process temperature of 45 degrees C. The viscosity value of nanofluids approaches a stable value at 3 h of sonication. No significant sonication 'null effect' was required for lower concentrations irrespective of the temperature and sonication time, yielding low viscosity. At the same time, clusters were observed at a higher volume concentration under a minimal sonication time (1 h) resulting in a higher viscosity. On the other hand, the viscosity of nanofluid was reduced with the help of an increase in sonication duration and process temperature. Statistical analysis ranks a higher degree to volume concentration of nanoparticles.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of volume concentration, temperature, and sonication time on the viscosity of stable alpha-alumina-water-ethylene glycol (WEG) nanofluids. It was found that higher volume concentrations can lead to higher viscosity at shorter sonication times, while increasing sonication duration and process temperature can reduce the viscosity of the nanofluid.