Papers by Author: A.T. Sobczyk

Abstract: The paper presents experimental results of electrospray deposition of nanopowder onto microfibers. The process is designed to form fibrous filters with an enhanced collection efficiency in the submicron range by covering the fabric with a catalytic material. Polyamide fibres were coated with Al2O3, ZnO, MgO, or TiO2 nanoparticles. The structures obtained were porous at the nanometer scale which increased the total surface area of the catalyst.

Abstract: A novel method to synthesize carbon fibres using low-current electrical-discharge plasma in hydrocarbon vapours is presented in the paper. The low-current arc discharge of positive polarity was generated between a stainless steel needle, and a nickel alloy plate, over a voltage range from 2 kV to 30 kV. The discharge was stabilised by a high series resistance (1 – 12.5 M'). The experiments were carried out in an argon atmosphere at normal temperature and atmospheric pressure. The arc discharge of current in the range of 1 to 4 milliamps was found to be a potentially effective method for the production of carbon fibres. The diameter of the fibres varied from about 20 to 120 μm with a growth rate of about 0.5 mm/s.