Effect of FeO3 nanoparticles on the thermodynamic and physico-chemical properties of nanofluid based on kernel palm oil methyl ester (KPOME)

This work presents an experimental study on the thermal conductivity, viscosity, flash point and fire point of kernel palm oil methyl esters (KPOME) in the presence of conductive magnetic nanoparticles (FeO₃). The mass concentration of FeO₃ ranges from 0,10 wt% to 0,20 wt %. The parameters were determined from standard methods. ASTM D7896 for thermal conductivity (λ); ISO 3104 for kinematic viscosity (η), and ASTM D92 for flash point and fire point. The experimental results obtained show that the concentration with the best thermal conductivity between 40°C and 65°C is the 0,20 wt% representing sample 3 (E3). There is an improvement of 20,5% compared to the value of the base esters. On the other hand, between 80°C and 90°C, sample E1 of the concentration that constitutes the basic esters (KPOME) presents better results. A decrease of 49.5% compared to the value of the thermal conductivity of the KPOME is noted. The kinematic viscosity decreased with increasing temperature for all samples. Moreover, in the presence of iron oxide 3, this viscosity improves. The most significant improvement is obtained at 100°C with the 0,15 wt% concentration and the least significant is at 40°C for the 0,20 wt% concentration. The tests of flash point allow us to observe that there is a deterioration of this parameter in the presence of FeO₃ nanoparticles in the base bio-insulator (KPOME). The most significant deterioration comes from the sample with a concentration of 0,10 wt%. This means a variation from 155°C to 140,85°C; which gives a deterioration rate of 9,15%. However, the addition of iron nanoparticles rather improves the flash point compared to the base esters. The most important percentage improvement is that of the 0,10 wt% concentration which varies from 160°C to 165,97°C. This represents an improvement of 3,75%.