Frequency Effect on the Structure and Properties of Mo-Zr-Si-B Coatings Deposited by HIPIMS Using a Composite SHS Target
, Alina D. Sytchenko 1,*, Pavel A. Loginov 1, Anton S. Orekhov 1,2 and Evgeny A. Levashov 1
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments for author File: 
Comments.docx
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
1. There is no real literature review in introduction section and how this reported research work is different from other research work? what is the scientific gap, and what is novelty in this submitted research work.
2. The author explains "Only peaks belonging to the Al2O3 substrate (ICDD 46-1212) were detected for the samples deposited at pulse frequencies of 10 and 50 Hz because of the low coating thickness < 1 µm and the highly disordered structure. " Structures with low coating thickness less than 1 µm are highly disordered and not specified.
3. Some images in this article need to be carefully processed for typesetting and resolution，ex. Figure 1b, Figure 9.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The article has a scientific character. The article deals with the structure and properties of Mo-Zr-Si-B 2 coatings. The Authors applied correct research methods and used the appropriate measuring equipment. The content of the work is logically written. The manuscript contains 10 figures and 3 tables. Figures and tables are properly prepared. Authors cited 42 literature sources. The authors presented an interesting work, but it requires numerous improvements to be of satisfactory quality.
General remarks
1. The authors must clearly indicate the novelty of the work (and not only the purpose) compared to the current state of the art
2. Specify the data of the apparatus in the article in the following order: device designation, manufacturer's name, city, country.
3. In general, improve the discussion of the results obtained
Detailed comments
1. Enter the uncertainty of measurement of the chemical composition in table 1
2. Fig. 1a - drawing not very clear, it is necessary to improve the sharpness and enlarge it
3. Line 105 - enter whether the test was performed in a rotary or sliding motion ,; if in rotary, enter the radius or diameter of the wear
4. Table 3 - explain the symbols (eg H, W, Vw) and add the measurement uncertainty
5. Point. 3.4 give the values l1 and l2 of the adhesion test
6. Point 3.5 in the chapter, show the surface in SEM, identify the damage mechanisms.
7. Figures 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 are hardly legible, they should be enlarged
8. Fig. 5 do not join the results with a spline, the results should be approximated by a polynomial regression
9. Show error bars in Fig. 10
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Dear Editor
The authors addressed properly all my concerns, I support the acceptance of the paper.
With all my best
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you for your attention to our paper “Frequency effect on the structure and properties of Mo-Zr-Si-B coatings deposited by HIPIMS using a composite SHS target” and a positive decision.
Kind regards,
Ms. Alina Sytchenko
Reviewer 2 Report
In the manuscript, some graph formats still need to be modified.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you for your attention to our paper “Frequency effect on the structure and properties of Mo-Zr-Si-B coatings deposited by HIPIMS using a composite SHS target” and a positive decision.
According to your comments, some graph formats was modified:
Fig 3. - Font of x and y axes labels were changed.
Fig. 4. - Font size and image quality were improved.
Fig. 6. - Sharpness and font were improved.
Fig. 7. - Image quality was improved.
Fig. 8. - Sharpness was increased.
Fig. 9. - Image quality was improved.
All changes highlighted in blue color.
Kind regards,
Ms. Alina Sytchenko
Reviewer 3 Report
Dear Authors,
Thank you for considering my comments. I will recommend publishing the work.
Author Response
Dear Reviewer,
Thank you for your attention to our paper “Frequency effect on the structure and properties of Mo-Zr-Si-B coatings deposited by HIPIMS using a composite SHS target” and a positive decision.
Kind regards,
Ms. Alina Sytchenko
