Optimization of process parameters in terms of stabilization and thermal conductivity on water based TiO2 nanofluid preparation by using Taguchi method and Grey relation analysis

This paper presents an optimization of the water based TiO2 nanofluid preparation process for thermal conductivity and zeta potential by using Taguchi method for single-objective and Grey relation analyses for multiobjective optimization. Stirring time, sonication time, mass ratio of surfactant to particle and sonication power are selected as optimization factors to obtain higher thermal conductivity and zeta potential. Sixteen different nanofluid samples having various preparation parameters are determined and prepared within the scope of the Taguchi method. The thermal conductivity and the zeta potential of the samples are measured under constant temperature of 20 degrees C. The contribution levels of the considered parameters on the thermal conductivity and the zeta potential are respectively ordered as the surfactant to particle ratio, the sonication time, the sonication power and the stirring time, by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). A confirmation test is carried out with optimized parameters and also ensured the confidence of the method.

Automated summary

This paper optimizes the preparation process of water-based TiO2 nanofluid for thermal conductivity and zeta potential using Taguchi method for single-objective and Grey relation analyses for multiobjective optimization. The study found that the mass ratio of surfactant to particle has the largest impact on thermal conductivity, followed by sonication time, while sonication power and stirring time have smaller effects. Confirmation tests were carried out to ensure the validity of the optimized parameters.