DINAMICS Project RECI/EMS-SIS/0147/2012
Dynamics of INterfacial Transport PhenomenA in MIcro Scale Energy Conversion Systems




Nanofluids alter the Surface Wettability of Solids
DYNAMIC WETTING BY NANOFLUIDS
Nanofluids is a relatively new class of thermal fluids and are claimed to improve the heat transfer characteristics of the original fluid. By using nanofluids as the cooling fluid in the heat sink it is expected to further improve its thermal performance. However, the main property of a nanofluid in a two phase cooling system is wettability.
Experiments are conducted to quantify the changes in the contact angle and interfacial tension using a nanofluid composed of silica nanoparticles dispersed in water on a hydrophilic surface (silicon wafer). Surface tension and equilibrium contact angle are obtained with a goniometric. A 3D drop-shape analysis based on a Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope (LSCM) allows evaluating the effects produced by the presence of nanoparticles near the solid substrate into the triple contact line, thereby elucidating the change in the wettability of the solid substrate.




Nanofluids for Improved Efficiency in Cooling Systems
OVERCOMING BARRIERS TO NANOFLUIDS MARKET UPTAKE (NANOUPTAKE)
The main objective is on the development of an acoustic microchannel heat sink device complemented by the use of nanofluids to enhance the cooling performance of this system.