The current study comprises of the synthesis and characterization of Zn-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanofluid for use as a potential coolant in the steel industry. Coprecipitation method was used in the preparation of Zn-Al LDH nanoparticles by using the nitrate salts of Zn, Al and Na, in the ratio of 2:1:2. The nanofluids were characterized based on their particle size, stability, surface tension, thermal conductivity and viscosity. TEM analysis revealed that the nanoparticles were needle-shaped with an average particle size of 45.61nm and aspect ratio of 7.3. Different concentrations of the nanofluid, from 40ppm to 240ppm, were used to analyze the effect of particle concentration on the enhancement in thermal conductivity and viscosity. Stability analysis of the nanofluid exhibited good results, even without any stabilizer. An optimum cooling rate of 125°C/s was obtained for a nanofluid concentration of 160ppm, which is 1.29 times when compared to water. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.