New application of nano-diamond in thermal fluid technology

Abstract Researchers from Rice University in the United States have made a breakthrough in heat transfer technology by developing a mineral oil-based thermal fluid infused with diamond nanoparticles. This new material outperforms conventional nanofluids in terms of thermal conductivity and stability. The findings were published in the prestigious journal *Applied Materials & Interfaces*, published by the American Chemical Society.

Mineral oil doped with nanodiamonds shows remarkable improvement in heat transfer performance, as seen in the 0.1% concentration sample.

The research team at Rice incorporated 6-nanometer diamond particles into mineral oil at very low concentrations and conducted detailed tests on the thermal conductivity and temperature-viscosity behavior of the resulting nanofluid. The results demonstrated that this novel thermal fluid significantly outperformed other commonly used materials such as oxides, nitrides, carbides, metals, semiconductors, and carbon nanotubes. Heat transfer is essential in various industrial applications, including cooling systems for engines, solar panels, microelectronics, air conditioning, and even nuclear reactors. Thermal fluids are critical in managing heat dissipation, reducing mechanical wear, and improving system efficiency. However, traditional fluids like water or ethylene glycol often lack sufficient thermal conductivity, while other conventional thermal fluids can suffer from issues like instability, viscosity changes, and particle agglomeration. Since the 1990s, scientists have been working to develop more efficient thermal fluids by incorporating nanoparticles into base fluids. The challenge has always been to maintain fluid flow while enhancing thermal performance. After years of experimentation, researchers at Rice succeeded in creating a highly effective thermal fluid using nanodiamonds. The thermal conductivity of this new fluid is up to 100 times greater than that of copper-based fluids, making it an extraordinary advancement in the field.


Diamond nanoparticles suspended in mineral oil, viewed under an electron microscope, show their distinct crystalline structure.
Professor Taha-Tijerina highlighted that the unique properties of nanodiamonds—such as their lubricity, high thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and chemical stability—make them an ideal additive for traditional thermal fluids. Importantly, only a minimal amount of nanodiamond is needed, ensuring that the fluid’s viscosity remains within acceptable limits. In their experiments, the researchers evenly dispersed nanodiamonds into the mineral oil. At a temperature of 211°F, just 0.1% of nanodiamonds increased the heat transfer efficiency by 70%. Even at lower temperatures, the same concentration improved efficiency by nearly 40%, showing consistent performance across different conditions. Taha-Tijerina also emphasized the role of Brownian motion and nanoparticle-fluid interactions in enhancing heat transfer. Brownian motion refers to the random movement of particles suspended in a fluid, which becomes more pronounced at higher temperatures. The study found that increasing both temperature and nanodiamond concentration significantly boosted the thermal performance of the fluid, indicating that the enhanced heat transfer is not only due to conduction but also influenced by the dynamic movement of the particles. This discovery could lead to more efficient cooling solutions in a wide range of industries, from electronics to energy systems. As research continues, the potential applications of nanodiamond-enhanced thermal fluids are expected to expand, offering a promising alternative to traditional cooling methods. (Based on the article "Diamonds Are an Oil's Best Friend")

Bathroom Tapware

bathroom taps,bathroom faucet,bathroom mixer taps

Kaiping Rainparty Sanitary Ware Technology Co.,Ltd. , https://www.rpshower.com