Thermal conductivity enhancement for CuO nanoflakes in oil‐based and oil blend‐based nanofluids

Abstract We report the synthesis and characterization of copper oxide (CuO) nanoflakes (Nflks) for thermal conductivity analysis. The synthesized Nflks were used for the preparation of oil‐based and oil blend‐based nanofluids. A dynamic light scattering study was carried out for aqueous suspension of CuO Nflks. The size distribution data show the two peaks emerged at 178.2 ± 31.77 nm and 861.7 ± 248.6 nm. The zeta potential was investigated, and the peak was observed at −46.4 ± 14.3 mV. The average thermal conductivity coefficients were calculated for mineral oil, sunflower oil, and oil blend, which were found to be 0.086, 0.105, and 0.099 W/mK, respectively. Furthermore, thermal conductivity enhancement was calculated, and the maximum percent enhancement was recorded for sunflower oil‐based nanofluid, which was found to be ~20.68% at 0.46 vol%. At similar vol%, the enhancement in thermal conductivity in oil blend‐based and mineral oil‐based nanofluids was found to be 16.14 and 15.73%, respectively. The oil‐based nanofluids are promising in electronics and modern computational devices to minimize the heating effect.