Rheological properties and thermal conductivity of AlN–poly(propylene glycol) suspensions

Nanofluids have recently attracted researches’ attention as a new generation of heat-transferring fluids used in heat exchangers and for energy storage. Also aluminium nitride is commonly known for its considerable heat conductivity, as high as 320 W/(m K). Because of that, the compound might be a preferable dispersed phase of heat-transferring fluids. This presented studies are focused on nano-AlN–poly(propylene glycol) dispersions which can be applied as potential cooling fluids. The rheological response of the suspensions on shearing and their thermal conductivity in the function of solids concentration and temperature were measured and discussed. The most desired result of the studies is to produce dispersions with Newtonian-like flow at increased temperature and at higher shear rate. All the aforementioned parameters conjugated with significant thermal conductivity of such nanofluids could predispose them to be used as effective cooling media.