Investigation of heat transfer characteristics of graphene nanoplatelets dispersed aluminium composite

Abstract

The thermal stability and specific heat capacity of Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) dispersed aluminium composites are determined using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Results of DSC analysis of the Al/2.0 wt-% GNPs composite show a 174% enhancement in specific heat capacity. Compared to pure aluminium, the Al/2.0 wt-% GNPs composite's TGA results show a 2% mass reduction. Heat transfer characteristics like heat transfer coefficient, fin efficiency, and heat transfer through a fin were determined using a pin-fin heat transfer apparatus under free and forced convection. Compared to pure aluminium, graphene nanoplatelets reinforcement in an aluminium matrix improves the heat transfer characteristics of prepared composites under both free and forced convection.