when I deal with transformer oil-based nanofluids ,should I consider ZnO NPs conductive or semi-conductive
ZNO is a semi-conductive material basically, but its conductivity varies with the grain size. The grain size itself will be affected by the synthesis method. Also doping ZnO with suitable amounts of metals will improve its conductivity.
Hello Asmaa,
I am curious about your application. Are you using an oil based fluid containing nano-particles of ZnO as a heat transfer medium for transformers? I know that heat sink compound used with power semiconductor devices is usually made from a mixture of silicone grease and ZnO.
Regards,
Tom Cuff
hello Tom Cuff,
Yes, I have made a comparison between various Mineral oil-based nanofluids as heat transfer and insulating medium in power transformer.I will contact the manufacturer company to certain about the materials.
Zinc Oxide is known as a conductive oxide. It is a semiconductor with intrinsically high conductivity. In fact it is a metal lie semicondcutor where its free electron concentration is high such that its Fermi level lies in the conduction band like metals.
In summary it can be considered as semimetal. For you its conductivity and conduction type of importance.
Best wishes