Measurement of dielectric properties of prepared stable nanofluids using coated TiO2 nanoparticle-based palm kernel oil
Keywords:
Insulating fluids, Dielectric properties, TiO2 nanoparticles, Nanofluid stabilityAbstract
Demand for environmentally friendly, high-performance insulating fluids has increased interest in bio-based nanofluids with improved dielectric behaviour. This study measures and analyses stable nanofluids prepared by dispersing oleic-acid-coated titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in methyl ester obtained from palm kernel oil. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterise the coated nanoparticles, and nanofluids were prepared at controlled concentrations using mixing and stabilisation procedures. The samples were assessed for viscosity, pour point, flash point, relative permittivity, loss factor, leakage current, and direct-current (DC) and alternating-current (AC) breakdown strength. Dielectric measurements were carried out over 20--200 kHz using a Rohde & Schwarz HM8118 programmable inductive-capacitive-reactance bridge. The results show that oleic-acid coating improved nanoparticle dispersion stability, while increasing nanoparticle concentration enhanced dielectric performance. Among the tested samples, ECNF0.6 gave the best insulating response. The findings indicate that TiO2-based palm kernel oil nanofluids are promising sustainable insulating materials for oil-filled electrical power equipment.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Ya'u Muhammad, Abdelghaffar Amoka Abdelmalik, Yusuf Musa Abubakar, Abubakar Ibrahim Balarabe (Author)

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