ABSTRACT
The PCM (Phase Change Material) thermostatic element revolutionized automotive cooling systems when Serguis Vernet introduced it in 1934. By leveraging the thermal expansion of waxes upon melting, it ensured efficient regulation of engine temperature. In this paper, we introduce a novel advancement in this field: the CNT (Carbon Nanotube) wax thermostatic element. By combining wax with carbon nanotubes in a precise ratio of 100:1, we have developed a material with significantly enhanced properties. Carbon nanotubes exhibit extraordinary thermal conductivity exceeding 200W/mK at room temperature and tensile strength reaching up to 20 GPa. This composite material attains a melting state within the temperature range of 80-850°C, expanding the pushrod swiftly for liquid passage through the thermostat. This paper explores the implications of this innovation, highlighting its potential to outperform traditional copper or aluminum-based wax thermostatic elements, ultimately enhancing the efficiency of automotive cooling systems.
