Thermal properties of ethylene glycol-carbon based nano-fluids

We present results of thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and specific heat of Ethylene Glycol (EG)-Carbon nano-fluids obtained using Thermal Constants Analyser (TPS 2200). A two-step method including a magnetic stirrer and an ultrasonic device was used to prepare stable EG-Carbon nano-fluids. Carbon nanoparticles were dispersed slowly in EG with different concentrations of 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 3 wt%, and 4 wt%. Thermal coefficients of the prepared nano-fluids at each concentration were measured at temperatures 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 degrees C. The percentage increment in thermal conductivity increases with concentration, as is evident from the observed increments of 20% and 31% for 1 wt% and 4 wt% concentration at 10 celcius, respectively. The highest increase in thermal diffusivity of about 32% was observed when the loading of carbon nanoparticles was increased from 1 wt% to 4 wt% at 10 degrees C. On the other hand, the same increment in concentration at 10 degrees C led to a decrease of 15% in specific heat.