Work

Dispersion stability enhancement of carbon black-based aqueous suspension

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Nanofluids emerge as advanced cooling media for electronics, automotive, solar-desalination, and other heat transfer systems, but their use is often constrained by poor dispersion stability. Carbon black (CB) nanoparticles provide high thermal conductivity and strong solar absorption yet readily agglomerate in water. This study presents a cost-effective dispersion stabilization method using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by forming a monolayer on the surface of CB particles prior to their dispersion. Three CB powders (as-received, functionalized, and CB-SDS mixture) were characterized for elemental composition, morphology, and particle size, then dispersed in water at 0.1 vol% and compared with as-received CB dispersed directly in SDS–water solution. The results showed that functionalization increased oxygen content by ∼47.7 % and slightly enlarged particle size, while SDS mixing promoted uniform distribution and reduced agglomeration. Stability tests showed rapid separation for the as-received CB case, four-day stability for functionalized CB, partial separation after seven days for SDS–water solution dispersions, and superior long-term stability for CB-SDS mixed suspension. These results demonstrate that the monolayer formed from the powder-to-powder mixing process provides an effective, scalable route to stabilize CB-based nanofluids for thermal management. • A method for improving the dispersion stability of Carbon Black. • The method consists of forming a monolayer on the nanoparticle surface. • Monolayer is formed by mixing surfactant and particles at controlled conditions. • Monolayer-based stabilization approach over performs other stabilizing routes.

Source: Journal of Engineering Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jer.2025.11.006

Authors: Nawaf F. Aljuwayhel, Naser Ali, Husain Ashkanani, Yousef Altoorah

Institutions: Kuwait University, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research

Language: English

Topic: Nanofluid Flow and Heat Transfer

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,100

Funders: Kuwait University, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research