Theoretical simulation on thermal conductivity of TiO2 NPs and CNTs nanocomposite for thermal management

Abstract

The demand for materials with enhanced thermal management capabilities is increasing, particularly in applications related to thermal comfort such as energy-efficient buildings, textiles, and electronic devices. This study investigates the thermal conductivity of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites through numerical simulation. TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized via a green synthesis route using plant extracts, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly approach. Commercially obtained multi-walled CNTs were incorporated into the TiO₂ matrix at varying concentrations (0.9-0.01 wt%) to form nanocomposites. The effect of CNT loading on the effective thermal conductivity was analyzed using computational modeling techniques. The simulation results demonstrate a significant change in thermal conductivity with increasing CNT concentration, attributed to the low intrinsic thermal conductivity of CNTs and their synergistic interaction with the TiO₂ matrix. The findings suggest that TiO₂-CNT nanocomposites hold strong potential for use in thermal comfort applications where improved heat dissipation and thermal regulation are required.