Fabrication and synthesis of solvent-free aluminum oxide colloids by electrical explosion of wires in liquids method

Abstract

Aluminum oxide colloids were produced by electrical explosion of wires in liquids process. The shape and properties of the aluminum oxide nanoparticles were determined on process parameters such as voltage, capacitance, and type of liquid. Energy deposition in the aluminum wire during electrical explosion of wires in liquids process was evaluated as a function of wire volume and base liquid. The energy that deposits in the wire results from the resistance of the wire. In this study, experiments were conducted to identify the process conditions for stable explosions. Stable and unstable regions differ greatly in their energies; this difference is caused by a steadily increasing current, which ultimately causes the explosion of the wire. The choice of base liquid can affect the size and dispersivity of the nanoparticles that are formed because of changes in the degree of oxidation of the particles. Using water as the base fluid, aluminum oxide surface was formed by oxygen in water. The thermal conductivity and the viscosity of aluminum oxide colloids were measured and compared with a model.