Nanofluidics: Wetting and Spreading Phenomena and Applications

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Suspensions of nanometer-sized particles in liquids (nanofluids) are used in a variety of technological applications and biological systems. For example, their spreading and adhesion behavior on solid surfaces can yield materials with desirable structural and optical properties. The wetting and spreading phenomena of nanofluids have been pursued by us both experimentally and theoretically in recent years (1 – 6). This lecture will review the progress made in the wetting and spreading of nanofluids over solid surfaces with an emphasis on the complex interactions between the particles in the nanofluid and with the solid substrate, as well as the spreading of their nanofluidic films containing nanoparticles on hydrophilic surfaces driven by the structural film tension gradient. In addition, this talk will highlight potential applications including their use as nanofluids comprised of liquid suspensions of environmentally sustainable inorganic nanoparticles or “green cleaners” for cleaning contaminated hard surfaces, and as “smart fluids” for accelerating recovery of hydrocarbon and stimulation of fluids from oil and gas reservoirs.

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Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2013: Electronics, Devices, Fabrication, MEMS, Fluidics and Computational (Volume 2)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 401 - 403
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Modeling & Simulation of Microsystems
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0584-8