Effect of Natural Fiber Characteristics on Properties of Cementitious Composites: A Comparison of Recycled Pulp from Beverage Cartons, Bamboo, and Eucalyptus Fibers

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The manuscript presents a well-structured and comprehensive experimental study evaluating the influence of three different natural fibers (recycled pulp from beverage cartons, bamboo fiber, and eucalyptus fiber) on the physical and mechanical performance of cementitious composites. The study is relevant, methodically sound, and addresses sustainability concerns in construction materials.

However, there are several aspects that require clarification, improvement, and minor revision before it can be considered for publication.

• Clarify the novelty and contribution: Explicitly state how this study advances knowledge beyond recent works, particularly references [6], [7], and [19].
• Detail hydrothermal bamboo fiber preparation parameters: Include more quantitative details (e.g., final pH after washing, water-to-fiber ratio) for reproducibility.
• Incorporate statistical analysis: Add error bars and standard deviations to Figures 5, 6, and 7 to improve result reliability.
• Discuss durability limitations: Briefly mention potential long-term degradation of natural fibers in alkaline matrices and suggest mitigation approaches.
• Ensure terminology consistency: Use consistent abbreviations throughout the manuscript (e.g., RPBC composite vs. RPBCC).
• Enhance abstract impact: Include specific numerical results (e.g., flexural strength increased by X%, porosity increased by Y%) instead of only general trends.
• Improve figure captions:
• Add error bars or mention the number of measurements in Figure 3 caption.
• Ensure Y-axis units are included in all Figures 5–7.
• Update some references: Consider replacing or supplementing older references (e.g., [41]) with more recent publications where possible.
• Minor language corrections:
• Line 433: Rephrase as “This performance is attributed to…”
• Abstract Line 6: Change to “revealed that RPBC-reinforced composites exhibited”

 

 

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper presents results of an experimental study on the influence of different types of organic fibres on the properties of cement mortar. Paper is well structured, written in perfect English, results are clearly presented, and conclusions are supported by the authors findings.

Some comments for the authors.

In line 59 the term absorbability should be changed to absorption ability.

The sentence in the Introduction (lines 86-89): “The compressive strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete reinforced with waste cartons (Tetra Pak) increased by 45% and 47%, respectively, when 3 wt% of laminated Tetra Pak waste was incorporated and irradiated with gamma rays at 88 300 kGy [19].” deserves further elaboration of the reasons why would radiation with gamma rays had any influence on mechanical properties of concrete.

In section 2.2.1 there is no mention about pretreatment of eucalyptus fibres.

Description of measurements of density and porosity of cement composites is missing.

I would be beneficial to present photo of bending test.

I would prefer to have more detailed description on determination/calculation of modulus of elasticity (more that given in section 2.2.4).

In Figure 7 it should mentioned how were these stress-strain curves obtained (I guess that they represent result of a bending test).

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf