Improving the heat transfer of nanofluids and nanolubricants with carbon nanotubes

Low thermal conductivity is a primary limitation in the development of energyefficient heat transfer fluids required in many industrial and commercial applications. To overcome this limitation, a new class of heat transfer fluids was developed by suspending nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes in these fluids. The resulting heat transfer nanofluids and nanolubricants possess significantly higher thermal conductivity compared to unfilled liquids. Three types of heat transfer nanofluids and nanolubricants, each containing controlled fractions of single-wall carbon nanotubes, multiwall carbon nanotubes, vapor grown carbon fibers, and amorphous carbon have been developed for multifunctional applications, based on their enhanced heat transfer and lubricity properties.