Investigating Thermophysical Properties and Thermal Performance of Al2O3 Nanoparticles in Water and Ethylene Glycol Based Fluids

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran

10.22052/JNS.2022.03.018

Abstract

In this study, the thermo-physical properties and thermal performance of Al2O3 nanoparticles were experimentally investigated in water-based fluid and ethylene glycol, and nanoparticles were produced by PNC1k-C device by electric explosion method. In order to measure the thermal conductivity, diameter and viscosity of the obtained nano-fluids, hot wire method (KD2-Pro device), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Ostwald viscometer ASTM D445-06 were used respectively. The temperature range of the experiments was between 20 degrees to 50 degrees. The results showed that adding 1% by weight of sodium dodecyl gasoline sulfonate (SDBS) to Al2O3 + H2O stabilizes this nano-fluid for 22 days. In this case, the zeta potential is 37.7 mv, which indicates good nano-fluid stability. The results showed that with increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles in the base fluid, the thermal conductivity, density, steam pressure and slope of the heating curve increase and the surface tension decreases. With increasing temperature, thermal conductivity and specific heat of water increased and density, viscosity and specific heat of nano-fluid decreased with different volume fractions. Also, with increasing the diameter of nanoparticles, the thermal conductivity decreased and the surface tension of the nano-fluid increased. The stronger the thermal properties of the base fluid, the greater the effect on the thermal conductivity of the nano-fluid. The obtained practical thermal conductivity coefficient was compared with the values of the prediction models of this coefficient. Based on the regression obtained for the calculated experimental results (R = 0.99), this value is consistent with the Timofeeva model.

Keywords


INTRODUCTION
One of the most important ways to reduce energy consumption in various industries is to increase thermal efficiency. So that the limitation of fluid heat transfer has led to the loss of a large part of energy. This weak thermal conductivity has led to improved heat transfer of operating fluids as a new method of advanced heat transfer. So the idea of dispersing solid particles in fluids, which started with millimeters and micrometers, was completed with the use of solid nanoparticles, and today nano-fluids are a good alternative to normal fluids such as water and oil. Nanoparticles cause a significant increase in the heat transfer of nano-fluids. The interesting properties of nanofluids and their great potential for increasing heat transfer caused this group of fluids to be considered by researchers in recent years. The addition of nanoparticles to the base fluid has a significant effect on the thermal conductivity coefficient and this has been considered by researchers [1,2]. Various studies have been performed on the parameters affecting the heat transfer of Al2O3 nano-fluid, some of which are mentioned below. Das et al. studied the behavior of water and copper oxide Nanofluid as well as water and aluminum oxide with changing temperature. They concluded that by increasing temperature, the thermal conductivity of nanofluid increases [3]. Cheng Sung et al. investigated the overall heat transfer coefficient of alumina-water nanofluid in multi-channel heat exchanger. They observed that at a constant amount of heat (120 w), as the mass flow and concentration of the nanoparticles increases, the ratio of the total heat transfer coefficient of the nanofluid to water increases [4]. Ismaeilzadeh et al. investigated the properties of heat transfer and hydrodynamic of flow with aluminum oxide nanoparticles experimentally inside a flat tube. The results showed that increasing the particle volume fraction leads to an increase in the heat transfer coefficient [6]. In a study by Peygambarzadeh et al., the changes in the heat transfer coefficient of Al2O3 + H2O nanofluid displacement in a car radiator was investigated. According to their observations, by increasing temperature, Reynolds number and concentration, the heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid also increases [7]. Timah and Moglani studied the effect of a magnetic field on a square chamber filled with nanofluids. The results showed that when a weak magnetic field is applied, adding the percentage of nanoparticles is necessary to increase heat transfer but under strong field, it is not appropriate [8]. Zeitun and Ali studied in vitro the heat transfer caused by the impact of the water- aluminum nanofliud circular jet on a circular target plane and investigated the influence of parameters such as fluid flow rate, nozzle diameter, target plate diameter and volume fraction of the nanoparticles. They concluded that by increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles in the constant Reynolds, the Nusselt number increases [9]. Ambomuzi and Flip investigated the effect of nanofluid surface charge on thermal conductivity. They used three types of surface active agents, one negative, one positive and one non-ionic, in aluminum-water nanofluid. The results showed that the use of ionic surface active factors has a positive effect on the dispersion and non-deposition of nanoparticles in nanofluids but did not have a significant effect on the thermal properties of nanofluid [10]. Siam Sandar et al. Showed that the viscosity of nanofluids depends on the particle concentration, temperature, particle size and shape, and the viscosity of the base fluid. In addition to the above, the way of nanofluid stabilization, the way of making and synthesis of nanoparticle and the nanoparticle manufacturer, are effective in the viscosity of nanofluids [11]. Mina and colleagues investigated the viscosity of nano-fluid Al2O3 + H2O for temperature of 20 to 70 ° C, nanoparticles volume concentration between 1% and 9%, and nano-particles between 13 nm and 131 nm [12]. Mostafizor et al. investigated the changes of Al2O3 nanofluid viscosity with temperature. The results show that increasing the temperature affects the Brownian motion of the nanoparticles and also decreases the adhesion of the liquids, thus increasing the temperature decreases the viscosity of the nanofluids [13]. Khodaei showed, the mechanochemical reaction of a non-stoichiometry Fe2O3-Al system (Fe2O3+Al+Fe powder mixture) was performed to produce the Fe3Al-30 vol.% Al2O3 nanocomposite. The progress of the reaction was followed by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis of mechanochemically synthesized Fe3Al-30 vol.% Al2O3 nanocomposite showed no evidence of the produced Al2O3 phase, whereas TEM analysis revealed the crystalline Al2O3 phase. The X-ray absorption by component higher mass absorption coefficient (Fe3Al matrix) in highly strained nanocomposite leads to a decrease in the diffraction intensity of components with lower mass absorption coefficient and with low volume fraction (Al2O3). High-temperature heat treatment lead to crystallite growth as well as lattice strain reducing, which resulted in the capability of detection of Al2O3 by XRD analysis. [14]. Hemmat Esfah and Saad al-Din reported in their study that at higher volume fractions, the effect of temperature on thermal conductivity coefficient is greater [15]. In another study, Hemat Esfah showed that different surfactants were used depending on the active surface of ​​the nanoparticles, which inaccuracy in the choice of surfactant type may lead to further aggregation of the nanoparticles. Thus the choice of surfactant is dependent on both the base fluid and the material of the nanoparticles [16]. Using the classical Nusselt layer condensation theory, Turkilmas Oglu presented two different analytical models for nanofluids. In this analysis, he used silver, copper, copper oxide, aluminum oxide, and titanium oxide nanoparticles with water-based fluid. His results show that as the volume fraction of nanoparticles increases, the thickness of the condensed layer decreases as well as the heat transfer increases [17].Bashir et al. Showed, series of Copper Ruthenium (Cu-Ru) bimetallic catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3 with different metal loading are prepared and investigated for catalytic wet air oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen. The ammonia decomposition activity was studied at three different temperatures i.e. 150 °C, 200 °C, and 230 °C and it is found that catalytic activity increases with the increase in temperature along with the high selectivity towards nitrogen production. The results also revealed that the bimetallic Cu-Ru/ γ- Al2O3 are much more efficient especially stable than the corresponding monometallic Cu and Ru catalysts. Up to 99 % ammonia decomposed to N2 without any undesirable nitrites and nitrates at 230 °C by optimizing catalysts to ammonia ratio [18]. Ghiyasiyan et al. Have worked on the morphology and different sizes of AlV3O9 structures used in rechargeable battery technologies [44]. Davoodabadi Farahani et al. investigates experimentally heat transfer of the forced convection boiling of a R134a/nano oil mixture in a horizontally-aligned tube with an aluminum helical fin. The effects of various parameters including refrigerant mass flow, vapor quality, star-shaped fin, oil concentration and volume fraction of nanoparticles are studied. SiO2–TiO2 nanoparticles are synthesized by applying both ultra-sound irradiation and sol–gel methods. The findings indicate that as the mass flow enhances, the heat transfer coefficient rises. The heat transfer coefficient and pressure drop have increased by using a helical fin. Regarding the oil-refrigerant mixture, the heat transfer coefficient augments at low vapor quality and reduces at high vapor quality. By adding nanoparticles, heat transfer increases, but a decreasing trend in heat transfer is observed from a certain vapor quality. The highest percentage of increase in heat transfer at a mass velocity of 380 kg/m2.s is for the case with a fin and a mixture of R134a/nano oil, and this amount is equal to 89% [45]. The use of nanofluids as a fluid with advanced heat transfer characteristics is increasing in various industries. Therefore, it is important to determine the thermophysical properties of these fluids. Due to the lack of comprehensive studies in this regard and the inefficiency of classical relationships in precisely determining the thermal conductivity coefficient of nanofluids and on the other hand, presenting contradictory results in this case causes to this research to be conducted. Therefore, these properties were determined in vitro and compared with reliable sources to evaluate the accuracy of the obtained results. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the thermo-physical properties and thermal performance of Al2O3 nanoparticles in water and ethylene glycol at different temperatures and volume fractions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Preparation of nano-fluids
In this research, first, Al2O3 nanoparticles were produced by PNC1k-C device of Payam Avaran Nanotechnology Company of Fardanegar by electric explosion method in the form of metal nano-colloids. Al2O3 was prepared with a purity of over 99%. Al2O3 nanoparticles have successfully been synthesized by using a sol-gel method. TEM (Transmission electron microscope) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) images were taken to obtain the structure and morphology of nanoparticles produced from nanoparticles. TEM images were taken by H9500 transmission electron microscope and SEM images were taken by HITACHI Su3500 scanning electron microscope (Fig. 1).
The chemical compositions of the present Al2O3 sample after annealing were determined by EDS and shown in Fig. 1 with reference peak at 0 Kev. Spectrum study reveals the presence of aluminium and oxygen elements with 38 and 62 atomic weight percentages without impurities and it confirms the stoichiometry of aluminium oxide nanomaterials synthesized by the co-precipitation method (Fig. 1).
Dynamic Light scattering (DLS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to measure the nanoparticle diameter. In the DLS method, a laser beam is emitted into the suspension and the scattering of the laser light is recorded by an optical detector. Particles of different sizes scatter light in different ways. Larger particles scatter light at smaller angles, while smaller particles scatter light at wider angles. The scattering of light by solid particles creates a pattern of light and dark spots on the detector. These light and dark patterns change with the motion of the particles, and cause to change the created pattern over time. The DLS device software can determine the particle size distribution by examining changes in this pattern over time. Larger particles have a lower velocity in solution than smaller particles. Hence, the diffraction pattern changes more slowly in a suspension with larger particles than in a suspension with smaller particles. The relationship between particle size and Brownian motion speed is established by the Stokes Einstein relation:
                           
                                                  

dH: Hydrodynamic Diameter of Particle, K: Boltzmann constant, η : solvent viscosity that depends on temperature and is not related to system density and pressure. T: Absolute temperature and D: Influence coefficient [5]. Max von Laue, in 1912, discovered that crystalline substances act as three-dimensional diffraction gratings for X-ray wavelengths similar to the spacing of planes in a crystal lattice. X-ray diffraction is now a common technique for the study of crystal structures and atomic spacing. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) is also utilized to study the surface property. This analysis will enlighten about the crystallanity or the amorphous nature of the testing materials. For the XRD analysis, very small amount of material is utilized of an order of 0.2 g, which is finely powdered and consistently dispersed on the testing plate. For the analysis, diffractometers utilize different radiations such as Cu-Kα radiation with a wavelength of 1.54 Å. The angle 2θ in the setup of the XRD fluctuate in a range of 10–90 degrees at a measurable step of 0.01 degrees. The analysis of the XRD is on the basis of the peak observed. If a sharp peak is observed, it infers a crystalline nature; otherwise, an amorphous nature of the surface is inferred (Fig. 2). In the XRD diffraction method, to determine the size of the nanoparticles, the processing and analysis of the X-ray return from the sample surface is examined. In the XRD method, the particle size is calculated from Equation 2. 

                                                 

K: Shape coefficient (for spherical nanoparticles K = 0.93), λ: X-ray wavelength, D: Particle diameter, B: Maximum peak width at half height, θ: The scattering angle for which the maximum peak is formed. 
FT-IR spectra were obtained using a Perkin-Elmer spectrometer at a resolution of 8 cm−1. It is now possible to detect the presence of transition Al2O3 and perhaps their nature on oxide scales formed by oxidation of alumino-former alloys. For this purpose, PM2000 samples, oxidized at different temperatures (from 973 K to 1373 K in air for 7 hours) were studied by IR spectroscopy. FT-IR spectra are reported in Fig. 3.
An electric mixer with the ability to adjust the speed from 200 to 3000 rpm was used to prepare the nano-fluid. Then a magnetic shaker was used with a speed of 100 to 2000 rpm and a heating power of 400 W. In order to maintain the stability of the solution to be suitable for engineering works, 1% by weight of surfactants (sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate) was used. The characteristics of surfactants are given in Table 1.
The mass of nanoparticles (m_p) and the mass of the base fluid (m_f) were measured accurately (0.01 g). Equation 3 can be used to estimate the weight percentage [28]. 

                                     

If we show the density of nanoparticles (ρnp) and the density of the base fluid with (ρbf), we can estimate the volume concentration of nanoparticles in the base fluid from relation 4 [36]. 

In relation 4 the bf index is for the base fluid and np for the nanoparticles. 

Measurement of Nanofluid Thermal Conductivity Coefficient
Methods of Estimating Thermal Conductivity Coefficient
Numerous experimental relationships have been proposed to measure the thermal conductivity by theoretical methods. To estimate the thermal conductivity, static and dynamic models have been proposed by various researchers. In this study, due to the fact that this coefficient has been calculated in practice, static models were used only to evaluate the results. In addition to the need for lower parameters to obtain thermal conductivity, these models also show good agreement with laboratory results in low volume fraction. These models are provided in Table 2. 

Determination of Thermal Conductivity Coefficient Using Transient Hot Wire Method
The transient hot wire method is widely used for the experimental measurement of the thermal conductivity coefficient of liquids statically and with a linear source. A thin metal wire made of platinum (or tantalum with a diameter of 5-80 μm) is placed inside the liquid, which acts as both a heat source and a thermometer. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the test specimen can be obtained by changing the temperature of the hot wire over a period of time. The thermal resistance of the wire changes with temperature. A wheatstone bridge is used to measure the electrical resistance of the Rw  wire. The electrical resistance of R3 potentiometer is set when the galvanometer G shows zero current. When the bridge is balanced with zero galvanometer flow, the value of Rw can be determined according to the known values of R1, R2 and R3.

                                                              

Since nanofluids are conductors of electric current, if a thin layer of electrical insulation is used to cover the platinum wire, it will prevent the problems such as creating an electric current in the fluid that generates heat in the wire. This technique, called modified transient hot wire, was developed by Nagasaka and Nagashima. They used epoxy adhesive layer to cover the wire [28]. Due to the very small diameter of the platinum wire and its high electrical conductivity, it can be considered as a linear source in an unlimited cylindrical environment. In this study, the relationships presented in Source 29 were used. Transient temperature for a long time follows the following relationship.

 
In this equation:
Q: The applied power per unit length in the heat source (W/m) 
k: Thermal conductivity coefficient (W/m.k)
α: Thermal distribution coefficient m/s2 
r: radial position of temperature measurement
Y: The stability of Uller is γ = ln (σ) = 0.57721
This approximation can be used for a linear source located within an unlimited cylindrical environment: [29].

                                                         

Therefore, the equation becomes as follows [29].

Therefore, the dependence of temperature on time is as follows, which we will have in two different times: [29].

                                                                                  
 
By placing Q and simplifying the following equation for k is obtained [29].

            

The transient hot wire method allows us to measure k quickly and accurately, while also reducing the unwanted effects of thermal conductivity.
The accuracy of the Hot Wire sensor was calibrated by measuring the thermal conductivity of pure water. The uncertainty of the measured values was estimated to be ±1%.

Thermo-physical properties of nano-fluids
Assuming that the nanoparticles are well dispersed in the base fluid and that the particle concentration is uniform throughout the system, the effective physical properties of the studied mixtures can be obtained using some classical formulas commonly used for biphasic liquids. These relationships have been used to predict the properties of nano-fluids such as density, specific heat, dynamic viscosity and thermal conductivity at different temperatures and concentrations. The density of nano-fluids can be calculated according to the law of mixtures from the Pak and Chow relation [22].


 ρeff is the density of the nano-fluid, Vb, is the volume of the base fluid and Vp is the volume of the nanoparticles. In this regard, ϕ the volume fraction of nanoparticles, ρ density, and index p represent nanoparticles and b represents the base fluid. Most researchers use Equation 12 to determine specific heat capacity [33]. 


Which can be written as relation 13.

      

Cp,eff is the specific heat constant pressure of the nano-fluid, index P for nanoparticles and index b for the base fluid. Various theoretical models have been proposed to calculate the viscosity of nano-fluids, among which the Einstein model was used in this study [32].

   

Φ is the volume fraction of nanoparticles, µf  the dynamic viscosity of the base fluid, and µnf the dynamic viscosity of the nano-fluid. This relationship is suggested for low volume percentage spherical particles. Parameters such as the volume of nanoparticles, their size and shape, base fluid, nano-layer thickness, dispersion techniques, temperature and pH value and ocular motion of nanoparticles are involved in determining the viscosity of nano-fluids [41-37]. In order to evaluate the results of Equation (14), the viscosity of the nano-fluid was calculated experimentally by the ASTM D445-06 Ostwald viscometer. The DA130N digital portable density meter of KEM company of Japan was used to measure the density and the KRUSS K11 Tensiometer was used to measure the surface tension.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Investigation of nanoparticle sedimentation in nano-fluids
Photograph of sediment
Preparation of uniform and stable suspension has a significant effect on improving the thermal properties of nano-fluids. One of the factors that affect the stability of nano-fluids is the phenomenon of cluster formation or accumulation of particles that causes the deposition of these particles. To investigate the settling time, a mixture of nano-fluid Al2O3 + H2O with a volume fraction of 1% of 20 nm nanoparticles was prepared. In order to prepare a completely homogeneous mixture, an electric mixer was used in the first experiment and in the second experiment, after preparing the mixture, it was mixed for 10 minutes on a magnetic shaker at a temperature of 30° C. Then 100 ml of the mixture was poured into a graduated container and photographed at specified intervals.
The results show that the use of electric mixer and then magnetic mixer to mix the nano-fluid makes the nano-fluid more stable. The results show a relative agreement with the source [23]. In order to maintain the stability of the solution to be suitable for engineering works, 1% by weight of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) was used for Al2O3 + H2O as the sulfatectant. Al2O3 + H2O was stable for the first 22 days and then began to be unstable.

Investigation of zeta potential
One of the most important methods to find the quality of nano-fluid stability is to study the kinetic behavior of particles in a colloidal solution due to the flow of electricity. According to a stability theory, if the zeta potential has a high absolute value, the electrostatic repulsion between the particles increases, which results in good suspension stability. Particles with high surface charge do not tend to form clusters. Many researchers, including Wu et al. [42], have reported that colloidal solutions are stable at zeta potentials greater than 30 mV. Zeta potential analyzer ZETA-Check model made by German Particle Metrix Company was used to measure zeta potential. For this purpose, 2 wt% nanoparticles Al2O3 with a diameter of 20 nm were used. In this experiment, the temperature was 25 ° C, the pressure of one atmosphere and the humidity was 38%. The highest measured value for nano-fluid Al2O3+ H2O was 37.7 mv, which indicates excellent stability and dispersion. 

Thermal Conductivity Coefficient
Comparison of laboratory thermal conductivity coefficient with theoretical models
Al2O3 nano-fluid was tested with volume percentages of 1, 2, 3 and 4, then these values were recalculated and evaluated through 7 theories. With increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles, the thermal conductivity coefficient of nano-fluids increased. The percentage of this increase is obtained from equation 15. 
 
           

In relation 15, nf index was used for nano-fluid and bf for base fluid. 
Experimental data and theoretical outputs, the thermal conductivity coefficient indicates an increase in the heat transfer coefficient with increasing volume fraction. In this analysis, the Loo-Lin theory predicts the minimum, and the Pak-Cho theory predicts the maximum value for increasing the thermal conductivity coefficient (Fig. 4)
Investigating the influence of nanoparticles diameter on nanofluid thermal conductivity coefficient 
The thermal conductivity coefficient of Al2O3 nanofluid was investigated at 1 to 4% volumetric rates for nanoparticles of 6, 10 and 20 nm, and the results are shown in Fig. 5. The results show that the smaller the diameter of the nanoparticles suspended in the base fluid, the more the thermal conductivity will increase. This is due to their surface-to-volume ratio, which by decreasing the size of the nanoparticles, more surface of it will be in thermal contact with the fluid. For example when the nanoparticle diameter was reduced from 20 nm to 10 nm. The thermal conductivity coefficient for volume fractions of 1 to 4% showed an average increase of 7%. 

Investigation of changes in thermal conductivity coefficient of nanofluids with volume fraction of nanoparticles
Thermal conductivity coefficient of Al2O3 + H2O was investigated in 1% to 5% volumetric percentages of nanoparticles. The results are shown in Fig. 6. The effect of volume fraction is incremental, which can be linear or nonlinear, and this increase occurs for different systems with different gradients. The reason for this issue is that the thermal conductivity coefficient nanofluids depend on both the thermal conductivity coefficient of the base fluid and the thermal conductivity coefficient of the nanoparticles. The obtained data were compared with the research data of Lee et al. [27] and approximate concordance between the obtained results and the source results [27] is observed.

Investigation of the effect of temperature at different volume percentages on thermal conductivity coefficients 
Al2O3 nanofluid with diameter of 20 nm was tested in volume fractions up to 4% and in the temperature range of 20 to 50 ° C and its thermal conductivity coefficient was carefully measured and recorded. The results show that at lower volume fractions, the temperature difference has no significant effect on the thermal conductivity coefficient and the differences are little. But by increasing volume fraction, the effect of temperature on the heat transfer coefficient increases and peak of volume fraction 0.04. The reason for this issue can be considered in the increase in collisions between fluid molecules and suspended particles by increasing temperature. As the volume fraction increases, the number of particles in the base fluid increases, and the high temperature increases the speed of the collision of molecules and the Brownian motion.
A comparison with source [28] was performed to investigate the accuracy of the obtained numbers for 0.01 and 0.04 volume at temperatures between 20 and 50 ° C. Investigation of changes in thermal conductivity coefficient of nano-fluid Al2O3 + H2O was used with temperature changes in different volume fractions of nanoparticles with a diameter of 20 nm. The results showed that with increasing temperature, at higher volume fractions, the effect of temperature on the thermal conductivity of nano-fluids is more tangible. With increasing temperature from 20 to 50 ° C for volume fractions of 1 to 4%, 7.6%, 8%, 8.4 and 9% increase in nano-fluid thermal conductivity was observed, respectively. Changes in the thermal conductivity of the nano-fluid were recorded at 20 ° C with increasing the volume fraction from 1 to 4% the lowest (15%) and at 50 ° C with increasing the volume fraction from 1 to 4% the highest (19%) (Fig. 7).

Comparison of thermal conductivity coefficient Al2O3 with basic fluids of water and ethylene glycol
By mixing the nanoparticles Al2O3 in two well-known base fluids, i.e water and ethylene glycol, we try to investigate the thermal conductivity coefficient of the nanofluid. Research shows that the more the selected fluid in terms of thermal properties is stronger; the impact of the nanoparticles on its thermal conductivity coefficient will be more. For the sample at 30 ° C, the thermal conductivity coefficient of ethylene glycol is 0.28 and for water is 0.62. If we examine the combination of the two with Al2O3, we find that the thermal conductivity coefficient is lower in the combination of ethylene glycol with Al2O3 than its combination with water.

Investigation of density and specific heat of nano-fluid Al2O3 + H2O
The density of nano-fluid in volume fractions between 1 to 4% was calculated using the digital portable density meter model DA130N of KEM Company of Japan. The results show that the density of nanofluids is much higher than the base fluid density of water. And as the volume fraction of nanoparticles in nanofluid increases, the density increases. For example, by increasing the volume fraction from 3 to 4%, the nano-fluid density increased by 3.2%.
The results were compared with sources [25], [32] and [33]. Increasing the temperature causes the expansion in liquids and consequently the change in density (Fig. 8). All liquids don’t expand at the same rate. In the next experiment, the changes of nanofluid density with temperature changes were investigated. The results showed that the density decreases by increasing temperature. But this reduction is not only dependent on temperature but also dependent on the volume fraction of nanoparticles suspended in the nanofluid. The results were evaluated with reference [34]. For example, at a volume percentage, the density decreased by 5.3% with increasing temperature from 20 to 50 ° C. 
Prasher and his colleagues on a study conducted on Cuo / H2O nanoparticles, found that by increasing the density of nanoparticles inside the nanofluid due to increase inertia and reduce moving power of nanoparticles in the nanofluid, the heat transfer through Brownian motion was reduced [35]. The KD2-Pro was used to measure specific heat. The experiment was performed between 20 and 100 ° C. During this temperature range, the specific heat of water increased by 0.9%. But in the same heat range for volume fractions of 1 to 4%, a decrease of 2.7%, 5.5%, 8.3% and 10.9% in specific heat was observed (Fig. 9).

Investigating nanofluid viscosity 
Nanoparticles with diameter of 20 nm were used to measure the viscosity of Al2O3 nanofluid. Since the viscosity measurement is carried out at different temperatures, first, we set the viscometer bath on the considered temperature and gave the bath time to reach the test temperature. Then, we poured the nanofluid into a test tube and placed it completely in the bath. Then, we waited for ten minutes to the bath temperature to be the same as the sample temperature. Then, we did the experiment. One of the parameters that affect the viscosity is temperature. As the temperature increases, the viscosity of the gases increases but the viscosity of the fluids decreases. This difference can be explained by examining the viscosity factors. The results were evaluated with the results of sources [30] and [31].
An average of at least 30% and a maximum of 40% decrease in viscosity was observed with increasing temperature from 20 to 50 ° C for volume fractions of 1 to 4%.
After 12 days of nano-fluid preparation, the changes in viscosity relative to the cutting rate for volume fractions of 1 to 4% were calculated. As shown in Fig. 10, in all volume fractions, the changes in viscosity with the shear rate are quite noticeable. At a given shear rate, nano-fluids with a volume fraction of 1% have the lowest and nano-fluids with a volume fraction of 4% have the highest viscosity. The dependence of the amount of viscosity on the shear rate also indicates the non-Newtonian behavior of the nano-fluid studied in the present study.
Then, after 12 days of preparation of nano-fluid, ultrasonic was used in order to redistribute the nanoparticles in the base fluid. Then the changes in viscosity relative to the cutting rate for volume fractions of 1 to 4% were calculated. The volume fractions showed the lowest 1% and the highest 4% increase in viscosity compared to the cutting rate. Up to a cut-off rate of 20 S-1  in all volume fractions is non-Newtonian fluid behavior and then tends to show Newtonian behavior.

Surface tension check
Tensiometer KRUSS K11 was used to measure surface tension. The concentration, temperature and diameter of nanoparticles affect the amount of surface tension. Surface tension decreases with increasing concentration and temperature because increasing molecular motion reduces the effect of intermolecular gravitational forces. For example, in the volume fraction of 4%, with increasing temperature from 20 to 50 ° C, the surface tension decreased by approximately 7.6%. Or at 50 ° C, with increasing volume fraction from 1% to 4%, surface tension decreased by 5.6% (Fig. 11).
In order to investigate the effect of nanoparticle diameter on surface tension, nanoparticles with a diameter of 20 nm and 40 nm were used. The results showed that with increasing the diameter of nanoparticles, surface tension increases. For example, at a volume fraction of 4%, with increasing nanoparticle diameter from 20 nm to 40 nm, surface tension increased by approximately 2.3% (Fig. 11). 

Investigation of boiling point of nano-fluid
In order to investigate the boiling point of base fluid and nano-fluid with volume fractions of 1 to 4%, the oven of Shimi Fan Company was used. The TMP-10 temperature sensor has a measurement accuracy of ±1 °C (0→150 °C)  To test 300 ml of the test fluid was placed in an oven at ambient temperature (32 ° C) and a pressure of 764 mm Hg, and the time required to boil was measured. According to Fig. 12, it can be seen that the slope of the heating curve (dT / dt) increases with increasing concentration of nanoparticles in the base fluid. 

Measurement of saturated steam pressure
At 32 ° C, saturated water steam pressure and nano-fluid with three different diameters were measured in volume fractions of 1 to 4%. The results showed that with increasing volume fraction and nanoparticle size, saturated steam pressure increases. With increasing the volume fraction from 1% to 4% in 20 nm, 40 nm and 80 nm, respectively, an increase of 5.5%, 6% and 4.8% was observed (Fig. 13). 

CONCLUSION
In the present study, Al2O3 nanoparticles in water-based fluids and ethylene glycol were mixed with 4% by volume (1.4%) using an electric mixer and a magnetic shaker. The stability of nano-fluids is still a challenging issue, and sulfate must be added to them to produce functional fluids. By adding SDBS surfactant to Al2O3, the produced nano-fluid was stable for the first 22 days. Also, the value of zeta potential was estimated to be 37.7 mv, which indicates the stability of the nano-fluid. The results showed that with increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles in the base fluid, the thermal conductivity coefficient, density, steam pressure and slope of the heating curve increase and the surface tension decreases. With increasing temperature, thermal conductivity and specific heat of water increased and density, viscosity and specific heat of nano-fluid decreased with different volume fractions. For example, with increasing temperature from 20 to 100 ° C, the specific heat of water increased by 0.9%. In the same temperature range for volume fractions of 1 to 4%, a decrease of 2.7%, 5.5%, 8.3% and 10.9% in specific heat was observed, respectively. Also, with increasing the diameter of nanoparticles, the thermal conductivity decreases and the surface tension of the nano-fluid increases. The practical thermal conductivity coefficient obtained was compared with the values of the prediction models of this coefficient. Based on the regression obtained for the calculated experimental results (R = 0.99), this value is consistent with the Timofeeva model. The stronger the thermal properties of the base fluid, the greater the effect on the thermal conductivity of the nano-fluid. Since increasing the temperature of nano-fluids increases the thermal conductivity, it can be concluded that their application in higher temperature environments is beneficial.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this manuscript.

 

 

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