The effect of silica nanoparticle on thermal, chemical, corrosive, and the nature‐friendly properties of refrigerant compressor lubricants—A comparative study

Abstract

Polyolester (POE) oil and mineral (Min) oil are widely used in household refrigerators as compressors lubricants in India. An experimental calculation on the thermal, chemical, corrosion, and nature-friendly properties of POE oil and Min oil suspended with silica nanoparticles is conducted for confirming its practicality to adopt in refrigeration compressors as nanolubricant. No surfactants were used for synthesizing the nanolubricants. The mass fractions from 0.01% to 0.2% and temperatures from 25 C to 85 C are considered. The thermal conductivity and fire point increased as SiO 2 mass proportions increased. The pour and cloud points decreased, and in the corrosive nature, apparently little effect was observed by adding SiO 2 nanoparticles. The total acid number (TAN) and saponification number increased with the increase in SiO 2 nanoparticle concentration. All the synthesized nanolubricants were biodegradable and a little toxic. Refrigerant compressors with long life, with smooth and safe working are expected using POE oil and Min oil with up to 0.2% SiO 2 (without surfactants) because of augmented thermal properties and less influenced corrosive, chemical, and eco-friendly properties.

Stability and thermodynamic property of TiO2/R141b nanorefrigerants by multi‐objective optimization

“…With an increase in temperature, a significant improvement in thermal conductivity was observed, especially at higher temperatures. This is attributable to the fact that rising temperature boosts the Brownian motion of nanoparticles, resulting in more particles in an energized state, facilitating greater energy transfer 25 . Collectively, these nanorefrigerants showcased a thermal conductivity that was 8.31% superior to pure refrigerant, peaking at an impressive 12.59% at 25°C.…”