Mechanism Research for the Influence of TiO2 Content on the Shape Transformation of Rutile Crystals
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe stated objective of the work has been achieved. The mechanism of the influence of titanium dioxide content on the form of rutile has been described. There is no explanation for the need and time of oxidative blowing. The amount of Ti2O3 remaining in the melt has not been determined.
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear Authors,
I have carefully reviewed your manuscript and would like to provide some detailed feedback.
The research presented does not show significant innovation. It appears that the methodology and findings do not contribute new knowledge to the field or present a meaningful advancement over existing studies.
The applicability of your findings in an industrial context seems to be quite restricted. It would be beneficial to clearly outline any potential practical applications or implications of your work.
I recommend including a comprehensive table summarizing prior studies on the synthesis of rutile globally. This table should contain useful information such as conditions used, advantages, and disadvantages of different methods to provide context and support your research.
In Table 2, it is apparent that several parameters, along with the TiO2 content, have changed simultaneously. How can the changes in experimental results be solely attributed to the TiO2 content? It’s crucial to discuss whether other parameters played any role in the observed outcomes.
Figure 3 does not depict particles that are cubic or spherical as suggested. Instead, most particles appear elongated, which contradicts the arguments made. This raises serious questions about the validity of both the results and the reasoning employed in the discussion of these findings.
Overall, the manuscript requires substantial revisions. However, with the necessary corrections, it may become suitable for publication, as it appears that the work could be beneficial for the authors.
I hope these comments help you improve your manuscript. I look forward to seeing your revisions.
Best Wishes
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper describes the isothermal precipitation kinetics of rutile crystals in the slags melted under the different conditions with SiO2 addition. The paper shows that the kinetics of precipitation follows the JMAK equation. The reviewer believes that this finding will provide a theoretical insight into the phenomenon.
On the other hand, the reviewer considers that the paper still needs to be revised according to the following comments.
1. No evidence is shown that the light gray particles in Figure 3 are rutile-type TiO2.
2. Please add explanation to the term "oxidation" for the preparation of the modified slag (Section 2.2.1 and Table 2). Figure 1 shows that raw slags were composed of oxides such as CaTiO3 and CaMgSi2O6. The reviewer does not understand what was oxidized by blowing oxygen in the molten slag at 1450 deg. C to prepare the modified slag.
In this connection, it is necessary to show the reaction of TiO2 formation from the slag, which explains how TiO2 is liberated from the slag.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear Authors,
I hope this message finds you well. I would like to express my appreciation for the revisions you made to your manuscript titled “Mechanism Research for Influence of TiO2 Content on Shape Transformation of Rutile Crystal.” After reviewing the changes, I am pleased to inform you that I accept the corrections and modifications you have implemented.
The improvements made during the revision process have significantly enhanced the clarity and overall quality of the paper.
Best Wishes,
Author Response
Comment 1: I hope this message finds you well. I would like to express my appreciation for the revisions you made to your manuscript titled “Mechanism Research for Influence of TiO2 Content on Shape Transformation of Rutile Crystal.” After reviewing the changes, I am pleased to inform you that I accept the corrections and modifications you have implemented.
The improvements made during the revision process have significantly enhanced the clarity and overall quality of the paper.
Response 1: Thank you very much for your valuable suggestions. It is these suggestions that have greatly improved the quality of this manuscript. Finally, thank the reviewer again for your contributions to the manuscript.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe reviewer now understands the significance of the oxidation process of the slags. The added Figure 5 is convincing enough that the light gray particles in the SEM are rutile TiO2.
On the other hand, the authors present new data on the Ti2O3 contents in the slag in Table 3, but do not provide details on the method used to evaluate the Ti2O3 contents. The reviewer believes that the method should be described in the Materials and Methods section.
Author Response
Comment 1: The reviewer now understands the significance of the oxidation process of the slags. The added Figure 5 is convincing enough that the light gray particles in the SEM are rutile TiO2.
On the other hand, the authors present new data on the Ti2O3 contents in the slag in Table 3, but do not provide details on the method used to evaluate the Ti2O3 contents. The reviewer believes that the method should be described in the Materials and Methods section.
Response 1: Thank you for your comment. The potassium dichromate titration method [17] was used to determine the content of Ti2O3. We added the method used to evaluate the Ti2O3 contents to manuscript. For specific modifications, please see the page 2 in the manuscript. Finally, thank the reviewer again for your contributions to the manuscript.
[17] XU Ben-ping, YUAN Guang-zhi, LI Ming, LEI Qing-ru, YOU Bo. Determination of low valence titanium (Ti2+, Ti3+) in vanadium titanium blast furnace slag [J]. Iron Steel Vanadium Titanium, 1989, 10(4): 61−66. (in Chinese)
