Progress in Achieving Fire-Retarding Cellulose-Derived Nano/Micromaterial-Based Thin Films/Coatings and Aerogels: A Review

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This review article summarized the recent progress on flame retardant cellulose-derived thin films/coatings and aerogels. It is a detailed and comprehensive review with well-organization. However, more related literature are recommended to be cited, and more figures can be illustrated with more informative discussion.

1. In this review work, there are only two figures. It is not enough. It is suggested to increase more quantitative data shown in figures based on the authors’ comprehensive analysis, comparison and/or summarization of typical/representative data from the literature research.

2. In introduction (line 128-136), the authors summarized the nanotechnology in flame resistance. In fact, 2D MXene nanosheets show efficient barrier effect to improve the flame retardant performance of polymers. Please refer to the following articles: 1) Journal of Hazardous Materials 2019, 374, 110-119; 2) Chemical Engineering Journal 2022, 427, 131615.

3. In section 2, some nanofillers, including hydroxyapatite nanorods and MOFs,  show highly efficient flame retardant properties for cellulose-based aerogels, which can be reviewed in this section.

4. Can the authors provide a prospective of cellulose-based aerogels in the end of this manuscript?

5. There are some mistakes. For example, in line 76, it is better to use intrinsic flammability instead of low thermal stability. In line 736, “400°” should be corrected to “400” or “400 °C ”. Please carefully check the whole text.

The English language is fine.

Author Response

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear reviewer, thank you for taking the time to review the manuscript. I have made the necessary corrections and hope they meet with your approval.

All corrections have been made in red.

Reviewer 1

This review article summarized the recent progress on flame retardant cellulose-derived thin films/coatings and aerogels. It is a detailed and comprehensive review with well-organization. However, more related literature are recommended to be cited, and more figures can be illustrated with more informative discussion.

1. In this review work, there are only two figures. It is not enough. It is suggested to increase more quantitative data shown in figures based on the authors’ comprehensive analysis, comparison and/or summarization of typical/representative data from the literature research.

Response:

Thank you for the suggestion. I have included five additional figures and descriptions in the text. I believe that incorporating visualizations of the results can increase the adoption of the article.  

2. In introduction (line 128-136), the authors summarized the nanotechnology in flame resistance. In fact, 2D MXene nanosheets show efficient barrier effect to improve the flame retardant performance of polymers. Please refer to the following articles: 1) Journal of Hazardous Materials 2019, 374, 110-119; 2) Chemical Engineering Journal 2022, 427, 131615.

Response:

Thank you for the notification, the suggested references are included in the manuscript.

3. In section 2, some nanofillers, including hydroxyapatite nanorods and MOFs, show highly efficient flame retardant properties for cellulose-based aerogels, which can be reviewed in this section.

Response:

Thank you very much for this notification. MOFs are now included in the manuscript, In Aerogels and foams – section. Also, hydroxyapatites – information is expanded.

4. Can the authors provide a prospective of cellulose-based aerogels in the end of this manuscript?

Response:

Dear reviewer, I included the information about possible perspectives of cellulose-based aerogel usage at the end of the chapter, before the Conclusions.

5. There are some mistakes. For example, in line 76, it is better to use intrinsic flammability instead of low thermal stability. In line 736, “400°” should be corrected to “400” or “400 °C ”. Please carefully check the whole text.

Response:

Thank you for this comment. The corrections are done in the aforementioned lines.

Reviewer 2 Report

This is a very good and interesting manuscript. So, I have only few comments and suggestions to Authors.

1. I would add words: "and their effects on FR properties" to a title of subchapter 1.1.

2. Tables 2 and 3 should be placed in a subchapter 1.1.

3. In Fig. 2 an abbreviation "MTM" should be changed for "MMT".

4. In line 432 - vermiculite forms a suspension, but not a solution.

5. In line 434: is "bl" coorect or it should be changed  for "lbl" ?

6.  Table 5 should be placed in the subchapter 3.

7. Names of subchapters 4.1 nad 4.2 are the same.

8. I also suggest to explain abreviations for "TSP" (in line 636) and for "Sep" (in line 670).

9. In line 910 a word "including" is missing.

Author Response

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Reviewer 2

Dear reviewer, thank you for taking the time to review the manuscript. I have made the necessary corrections and hope they meet with your approval.

This is a very good and interesting manuscript. So, I have only few comments and suggestions to Authors.

1. I would add words: "and their effects on FR properties" to a title of subchapter 1.1.

Response:

Thank you for this comment, I completed the title of subchapter 1.1

2. Tables 2 and 3 should be placed in a subchapter 1.1.

Response:

Thank you for this comment, the tables are moved to the right places.

3. In Fig. 2 an abbreviation "MTM" should be changed for "MMT".

Response:

Thank you for this comment, the MMT abbreviation is corrected.

4. In line 432 - vermiculite forms a suspension, but not a solution.

Response:

Thank you for this comment, the "suspension" word replaces the "solution".

5. In line 434: is "bl" coorect or it should be changed  for "lbl" ?

Response:

Thank you for this comment. In this context, bl means bilayer, “bl”. I leave the abbreviation “bl”, if it is Ok.

6. Table 5 should be placed in the subchapter 3.

Response:

Thank you for this comment. The table is transferred to the right place now.

7. Names of subchapters 4.1 and 4.2 are the same.

Response:

Thank you for this comment. The chapter 2 title is corrected.

8. I also suggest to explain abreviations for "TSP" (in line 636) and for "Sep" (in line 670).

Response:

Thank you for this comment. I added the descriptions to the abbreviations, now line 333.

9. In line 910 a word "including" is missing.

Response:

Sorry, I did not find the place.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

This manuscript has been improved by the authors. It can be accepted for publication.