Synergistic Influence of Polymer Dispersants on the Thermal Performance of ZnO Nanofluids for Heat Exchanger Applications

In modern times, efficient extraction of excess heat from sources remains a significant challenge. In this study, a ZnO nanofluids was stabilized by a specially engineered copolymer, poly (MMA-co-AMPS), using water as the base fluid to improve thermal stability and heat transfer efficiency. The copolymer, synthesized with an equimolar blend of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), exhibits a distinct structure featuring both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, which effectively disperses nanoparticles (NPs). Incorporating the copolymer as a dispersant significantly enhanced the stability of the nanofluids and thermal conductivity (TC) over time. When experimental outcomes were compared to established models, the Hamilton–Crosser model showed a strong alignment with the experimental data. Additionally, viscosity analysis revealed that the dispersant concentration influences the viscosity of the nanofluids. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential applications of copolymer-stabilized nanofluids.