Hydrophobic Surface Effect on Heat Transfer Performance in an Oscillating Heat Pipe

Abstract

An experimental investigation of an oscillating heat pipe (OHP) with a superhydrophobic inner surface coated with a superhydrophobic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of n-octadecyl mercaptan was conducted. The experimental results show that the oscillating motion in an OHP with a superhydrophobic surface can be generated and the OHP can function well. This is very different from the conventional wicked heat pipe, which cannot function if the inner surface is hydrophobic. The functionality of a superhydrophobic OHP is not sensitive to the wetting condition of the inner surface of the OHP. The investigation results in a better understating of heat transfer mechanism occurring in an OHP.