Influence of Modified Stalk Fibers on the Fatigue Performance of Asphalt Binder

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Figure 1:  Please replace: "Bake to constant weight" with "Keep at XX temperature until constant weight"

Please revise the symbols in Table 1.

I see in section 2.2.2 the properties that you want to achieve after binder modification, but how does the modified fibers help achieving this?

Figure 4: The authors mentioned that all images are taken using 1000x, however Figures 4 c) and 4 d) look with greater magnification, please revise.

Section 2.3: The authors write: "In order to prevent segregation, the prepared sample should be tested in the next step as soon as possible." Please explain: Is this expected to happen in real life-modification? What can the authors recommend to prevent this from happening at a larger scale?

Section 3.2.2 (1). The authors write: "the fibers are overlapped to form a compact three-dimensional network structure." How can the authors affirm this? Please explain. 

Section 3.2.2 (2). The authors write: "The specific surface area of the modified corn stalk fiber is larger than that of the cotton stalk fiber." Please provide data (size?) to affirm that, or explain further on that.

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Dear editor:

Very good research paper with good results and discussion. I recommend to publish after minor amendments.

Regards.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript "coatings-2686664" by Wang et al. reported Influence of modified stalk fibers on the fatigue performance of asphalt binder. After review, this study is unpublishable. The authors should refer to the following comments to improve their work:

1. Considering the applicability of this product, it should be thoroughly investigated so that it can be used in different applications. For this reason, please improve the results and discussion according to the comments that follow.

2. For better compatibility, the fiber is treated with sodium hydroxide solution. How is it proven that this treatment is done correctly and is effective? Here, the fibers should be investigated before and after treatment. In this regard, UV-VIS-NIR, XRD, FTIR, and chemical composition analyses are necessary (at least 3 of the 4 mentioned analyses). The content of lignin, pectin, and cellulose in fibers before and after treatment should be determined. Because these components directly affect the properties of the final product.

3. Usually, incompatibilities between fibers and matrix are seen and reduce the properties. This reduction in properties is related to the gaps between the matrix and the fiber. Voids act as stress concentration points and lead to a decrease in performance. Please explain more about this in the manuscript.

4. Explain about the consumable life of the product in the manuscript, because usually, the resistance of natural fibers decreases in the presence of stresses and UV.

5. Please add images of fibers before and after treatment to the manuscript.

6. Please improve the discussion.

7. Please use the correct reference format.

8. The language of the manuscript should be checked.

9. Please replace the up-to-date references.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have presented a very interesting paper that deserves to be considered for publication in the journal. There are only a few minor comments that should be answered in the paper:

How does the temperature of bituminous mixtures affect these organic compounds?

How do the authors ensure a homogeneous distribution of fibres during mixing?

Has the shrinkage of the compounds been analysed?

Are durability tests planned?

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The authors have presented a very interesting paper that deserves to be considered for publication in the journal. There are only a few minor comments that should be answered in the paper:

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Accept in present form.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required.