The Heat Transfer Effects of Nanotube Surfaces Treatments and a Means for Growing the Nanotube Coated Surfaces

A method of augmenting natural convection, low-Reynolds-number single-phase forced convection and boiling heat transfer by using nanotube coated heat transfer surfaces is described, as well as a unique method of growing these nanotube surfaces from the heat transfer metal alloy, thereby achieving excellent adhesion. This paper discuses side-by-side experiments where nanotube coated and uncoated surfaces are compared. Data on the positive effects of nanotube coating the axial grooves of copper-water heat pipes is also included. Applications for this technology include improved natural convection heat sinks, enhanced boiling surfaces and improved heat pipes. The nanotube coating is also demonstrated to be a low-cost coating and has been successfully grown on several alloys.