Experimental studies on CHF characteristics of nano-fluids at pool boiling

To investigate the CHF characteristics of nano-fluids, pool boiling experiments of nano-fluids with various concentrations of TiO2 or Al2O3 nanoparticles were carried out using a 0.2 mm diameter cylindrical Ni–Cr wire under atmospheric pressure. The results show that the CHFs of various nano-fluids are significantly enhanced over that of pure water. SEM observation subsequent to the CHF experiment revealed that a nanoparticle coating is generated on the wire surface during pool boiling of nano-fluids. The CHF of pure water was measured on a nanoparticle-coated wire which was produced during the pool boiling experiments of nano-fluids. The CHF of pure water on the nanoparticle-coated wire was similar to that of nano-fluids. This result clearly shows that the main reason for CHF enhancement of nano-fluids is the modification of the heating surface by the nanoparticle deposition. The nanoparticle-coated surface was characterized with various parameters closely related to pool boiling CHF: surface roughness, contact angle, and capillary wicking performance. Finally, CHF enhancement of nano-fluids is discussed using the parameters.