A fluid media such as oil or water, and a selected effective amount of
carbon nanomaterials necessary to enhance the thermal conductivity of the
fluid. One of the preferred carbon nanomaterials is a high thermal
conductivity graphite, exceeding that of the neat fluid to be dispersed
therein in thermal conductivity, and ground, milled, or naturally
prepared with mean particle size less than 500 nm, and preferably less
than 200 nm, and most preferably less than 100 nm. The graphite is
dispersed in the fluid by one or more of various methods, including
ultrasonication, milling, and chemical dispersion. Carbon nanotubes with
graphitic structure is another preferred source of carbon nanomaterial,
although other carbon nanomaterials are acceptable. To confer long term
stability, the use of one or more chemical dispersants is preferred. The
thermal conductivity enhancement, compared to the fluid without carbon
nanomaterial, is proportional to the amount of carbon nanomaterials
(carbon nanotubes and/or graphite) added.