Physicochemical properties of double walled carbon nanotubes based nanofluids

This experimental study aims to determine the characteristics of the physicochemical properties of DWCNTs material which aims to improve heat transfer performance by utilizing nanoparticle based DWCNTs that can be used as fluids in heat exchangers. The material used in this research is DWCNTs powder mixed with water with a concentration of 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%. The process of characterization of DWCNTs nanoparticles was carried out using density test, viscosity test, thermal conductivity test, and specific heat test to determine their physicochemical properties. The SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscope – Energy Dispersive X-Ray) test, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) test, and FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) test were also carried out to determine the characteristics of the material. The research found that the highest density and viscosity were found in 0.5% DWCNTs, the highest thermal conductivity was found in 0.5% and the specific heat was found in 0.1% DWCNTs. From the SEM-EDX test, it was found that DWCNTs have a nanofiber structure bonded to each other and form clumps, the XRD pattern of DWCNTs is known to be similar to the XRD of MWCNTs which is made of carbon material, and from the FTIR test, it is known that the highest peak is the C – H (alkane) group. As a result, DWCNTs has the potential as a nanofluid which can later increase the convection heat transfer coefficient in the heat exchanger because it has good conductivity and specific heat.