Alkali-Activated Binders Based on Tungsten Mining Waste and Electric-Arc-Furnace Slag: Compressive Strength and Microstructure Properties

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors investigated the mechanical and microstructural properties of alkali-activated slag based on tungsten mining waste and electric arc furnace. The characterization results obtained by XRD, SEM and FT-IR are useful to understand the reaction products of this system, and the authors have analyzed the data in sufficient depth. Overall, this paper is well-written, and should be acceptable after a minor spell check.

Author Response

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Reviewer 2 Report

This paper presents experimental findings on Tungsten Mining Waste Mud (TMWM) and Electric Arc Furnace Slag (EAF-Slag) in terms of compressive strength (results from Compression Machine), pore structure (using MIP) and microstructure (using XRD, SEM, FTIR). The paper also develops a relationship between porosity and compressive strength of the tested Alkali-Activated Binders (AABs).

The paper has a good scientific content quality, is well organized and quite clear. The theoretical background and the illustrated methodology are clearly explained and supported by a consistent bibliography. The paper is thus recommended for publication in MDPI CivilEng, with minor revisions required. In particular, the following comments are placed to the consideration of the authors.

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Regards,

the reviewr

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

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Reviewer 3 Report

This authors studied the strength and microstructure of alkali activated binder using mining/industrial waste. The results are interesting and the content of the paper can be useful. However, there are a few issues need to be addressed. The literature review needs to be structured to follow a better story line to show the importance of this research, gap in the knowledge, and how this research addresses them. Furthermore, the discussion of the findings lack in-depth discussion and could be enhanced. In addition;

The introduction can improved by discussing the general/big picture potential values in mining waste recycling, such as:

Bobicki, E.R.; Liu, Q.; Xu, Z.; Zeng, H. Prog. Energy Combust. Sci. 2012, 38, 302–320.

Bobicki, E.R.; Liu, Q.; Xu, Z.  Miner. Eng. 2015, 70, 43–54.

Azadi, M., Edraki, M., Farhang, F. & Ahn, J.  Sustainability 11, 1250 (2019).

Li, J.; Hitch, M.; Power, I.M.; Pan, Y. Minerals 2018, 8, 147.

and many more.

The title needs to be revised, the first sentance is confusing.

English grammar and sentancing structure must be revised. There are several examples of very long sentances, and not well structured.

Open the abstract with one sentance that explains the important of this research before moving to "This work..".

Author Response

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Round 2

Reviewer 3 Report

Accept in present form