Preparation of Uniform and Stable Organic Phase-Change Nano-fluid of Paraffin and Nano-aluminum for Thermal Storage

As a kind of middle-temperature PCM (Phase Change Material), paraffin is perfect except for its poor thermal conductivity. Nano-aluminum, which has high thermal conductivity and good compatibility, was added into paraffin to improve its thermal conductivity. Surface modified technology was adopted and dispersant was used to prepare uniform and stable organic phase-change nano-fluid of paraffin and nano-aluminum. The nano-fluid with 0.5%wt SDBS as dispersant and with 9%wt nano-aluminum which surface had been modified had good dispersion and stabilization. The reasons of good dispersion and stabilization of the prepared nano-fluid were analyzed. It was the effects of surface modification that help to disperse the nano-particles and the effects of electrostatic tranquilization of SDBS that help to stabilize the nano-fluid.