The influence of the composition of a multicomponent solvent on the surface morphology and diameter distribution of ethyl cellulose fibers produced by electro-spinning technology was investigated. The results showed that the average diameter of the fibers using the multicomponent solvent was thinner than when using either of the two components and the diameter distribution of the fibers became narrower. Tiny tubercles formed on the fiber surface, which may improve the specific surface area and broaden the applications. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.