Е-Публикации
Технически университет - София

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of collector geometry and surface treatment on the morphology of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers. Three collector configurations differing in electrode arrangement and surface area were evaluated using a consistent electrospinning setup that included a denim dielectric barrier. One of the collectors was additionally treated with cold atmospheric plasma to examine the effects of surface modification. Key process parameters, including operating voltage, electrical conductivity, and spinneret-to-collector distance, were systematically controlled. The resulting fiber mats were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess fiber diameter distribution, surface uniformity, and defect density. The results show that collector geometry significantly affects electric field distribution and fiber formation: the fully conductive Type I collector yielded the most uniform and defect-free fibers, while the dual-electrode and plasma-treated configuration led to increased variability and structural imperfections. These findings underscore the critical role of collector design in optimizing nanofiber morphology for applications in filtration, biomedical devices, and advanced textiles.

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