Study on the Surface Properties of Hot-Waxed Wood with MCC Filled Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Wax

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 

The article presents the results of a study on the application of wood finishing with waxes applied at elevated temperatures

 

Abstract

The abstract does not precisely state the purpose of the research. A method of improving the decorative coating of Fischer Tropsch wax with microcrystalline cellulose is given.

No description of the test method is given.

The results were presented accessibly.

 

Keywords

It is suggested to adopt more specific keywords. The non-repetition of the terms contained in the title of the article is welcomed

Suggestion: wood, surface refinement, waxing, modification, surface properties

 

Introduction

The presentation of the literature (line 28, 34, 41, 43, 47, 50, 55 and others) is not in compliance with the requirements.

There is a lack of reference to literature describing the historical assumptions of wood waxing.

The importance of microcrystalline cellulose in the protection of wood coatings is described.  Literature justification for the use of cellulose as a modifier of wood finish coatings is indicated. Literature references for the following paragraphs were missing.

 

Materials and methods

Black walnut wood was selected for the study. Unfortunately, the source of the properties presented was not given.

The method of preparing waxes was described as required to allow repetition of tests.

Synthetic wax and also natural waxes were prepared.

The normative method of testing the resistance of the coating was given. The test procedure was described.

The method of evaluating the bartwa of the coating and measuring its roughness was specified.

 

Results

 

The chapter should be named results and discussion

The results of testing the resistance of the coating subjected to MCC modification are presented. The effect of MCC content on coating resistance is indicated. The results were related to unmodified coatings. An increase in coating hardness was emphasized.

What was missing was a discussion of the test results and their comparison to literature data describing changes in durability and resistance of coatings obtained by introducing wax modifications.

 

There is little surprise in Figure 2 b. The sense of humor is good, but perhaps the authors would dispense with the humorous element in favor of a professional presentation of the test itself?

The decorative effect obtained in the study was described and interpreted correctly.

Literature reports indicating chemical factors affecting the color of wood were pointed out.

The thermal resistance of the coatings was presented.

The effect of finish on surface roughness and refractive effect (gloss) was presented. Reference to the literature was lacking.

The only literature sources refer to descriptions of chemical changes.

No reference to the quality of coatings in normative assessments.

 

Conclusions

Conclusions are linked to test results,

Part of the conclusions (line 599) is a summary and not a conclusion .

The positive impact of modifications and innovations in wood coating finishes is indicated.

 Improvements in durability and visual quality for the waxes used were considered.

 

Literature selected correctly, to the extent applied. Unfortunately, a much more extensive evaluation of the research supported by a review of contemporary and historical literature is required.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Introduction: Examples of the use of other wax-based or polymer coatings for protecting wood should be included in the introduction. The scientific literature contains significant findings on improving mechanical properties, appearance, multifunctionality, and other attributes of coated wood, which are essential in coating studies.

Figure Label: Change "Scheme 1" to "Figure 1."

Line 188: This line raises the following questions: How is the thickness of the wax layer affected by the addition of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)? and How does the thickness of the wax layer influence its mechanical properties?Data on the thickness of the wax layer are missing from this study.

Figures: The results presented in Figures 2 and 3 are difficult to interpret in their current form. Consider creating separate, larger figures for each individual mechanical and optical property to improve clarity.

Discussion
a) The discussion lacks a comparison of this study's findings with other environmentally friendly coatings or finishes. It would be valuable to explore how hot-wax treatment contributes to enhanced durability, appearance, or multifunctionality in relation to these alternatives.

b) The manuscript is missing a discussion on the mechanical properties and decorative effects of hot-waxed wood, as well as the analysis of surface wettability and micromorphology.

c) The results are presented separately in chapters 3.1-3.4. I miss their interconnection in the discussions and summaries.

Further detailed analysis based on TG, DTG, FTIR spectra, and crystallinity diagrams should be conducted to explain the influence of MCC on the mechanical and optical properties of the treated wood. 

 

Additional Functionalities: Explore the potential for integrating additional functionalities, such as antimicrobial properties, fire resistance, or self-healing capabilities, into MCC-modified hot-waxed wood.

Formatting: The manuscript's formatting does not adhere to the journal's template instructions. Careful attention to formal processing is required.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear, authrors.

The revised version of the work reflects my comments, and I have no further objections. 

 

Best regards.

Author Response

Comments and Suggestions for Authors
Dear, authrors.
The revised version of the work reflects my comments, and I have no further objections. 
Best regards.

Response：Thank you for your positive feedback and for confirming that the revised version addresses your comments. We are glad to hear that you have no further objections. We appreciate your time and effort in reviewing our work.