Construct and Field Test a High Productivity Whole Tree Harvester For Biomass Production

65797 Metal nanoparticles incorporated in heat-transfer fluids at very low solid volume fractions (<1%) have been shown to be effective in substantially increasing the fluid thermal conductivity. However, the testing and utilization of these nanofluids have been hampered by the availability of the nanoparticles themselves. This project will develop a process for producing large quantities of metallic nanoparticles, both spherical and elongated, for use in nanofluids. The process will demonstrate that nanoparticles can be synthesized with diameters below 10nm using a modified electrospinning technique and can be successfully dispersed within the heat transfer fluid. Due to low equipment costs, the process can be scaled up to produce commercial quantities of the nanofluid. Spherical and elongated metallic nanoparticles will be synthesized in Phase I. Testing will be performed to confirm the improved thermal conductivity of the nanofluid. Scale-up of the process will also be investigated. Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by awardee: High conductivity heat transfer fluids will have a major impact in commercial industries, particularly in the electronics, automotive, and manufacturing sectors of the economy. The nanoparticles and nanofibers can also be used as catalysts, microfilters, insulation, composite reinforcement, and microsensors