Quenching Fluid Improvement by Reformulation with Metal Oxide Nanoparticles (nanoQuench)

The material properties of components in many high value applications need to be carefully controlled so that the durability of the components is understood and predictable. One common technique for heat treatment is by quenching which is time consuming and can induce residual stresses in the component which need to be relieved to prevent failures in operation. A range of quench media are available, including water-, oil- and polymer-based, each having specific heat transfer characteristics, which create specific material properties in the quenched components. Closely controlling the precise location and rate of heat transfer during the quenching process would enable more localised mechanical and material properties to be achieved. The objectives of nanoQuench is to formulate nanofluids to enable more defined quenching, leading to less residual stresses within the component allowing end-users greater productivity and cost savings. The final objective of the project is to analyse the nanofluids after quenching to determine how many times it can be used before needing to be replaced and to assess on methods for re-use, recycling and on safe disposal.