Visualizing and Quantifying Wettability Alteration by Silica Nanofluids

Abstract

An aqueous suspension of silica nanoparticles or nanofluid can alter the wettability of surfaces, specifically by making them hydrophilic and oil-repellent under water. Wettability alteration by nanofluids have important technological applications, including for enhanced oil recovery and heat transfer processes. A common way to characterize the wettability alteration is by measuring the contact angles of an oil droplet with and without nanoparticles. While easy to perform, contact angle measurements do not fully