| abstract |
Fluid compositions that have improved thermal conductivity, up to 250% more than their conventional analogs, and preparation methods for these fluids are identified. The compositions contain at a minimum, a fluid medium such as oil or water, and a selective effective amount of carbon nanomaterials necessary to improve the thermal conductivity of the fluid. One of the preferred carbon nanomaterials is a graphite of high thermal conductivity, which exceeds that of the net fluid to be dispersed therein in thermal conductivity, and is crushed, ground, or prepared naturally with the average particle size less than 500 nm, and preferably less than 200 nm, and more preferably less than 100 nm. Graphite is dispersed in the fluid by one or more of several methods, including ultrasonic, ground, and chemical dispersion. The carbon nanotube with graffiti structure is another known source of carbon nanomaterial, although other carbon nanomaterials are acceptable. To confer long-term stability, the use of one or more chemical dispersants is preferred. The improvement of thermal conductivity, in comparison to the fluid without carbon nanomaterial, is somewhat proportional to the amount of carbon nanomaterials (carbon nanotubes and / or graphite) added. |