Fine-Tuning Flexographic Ink’s Surface Properties and Providing Anti-Counterfeit Potential via the Addition of TiO₂ and ZnO Nanoparticles

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper is well written and structured. The results are presented in a high value to the reader. The results are applicable into the real problems.

I have minor suggestion, how to improve the paper, i.e. add some words to how does the microparticles influence the health and recyclability.

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors deal with incorporating TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles into conventional flexographic printing ink. The paper is reasonably well-structured and presents the research clearly. However, some issues should be improved according to the following remarks:

1. The novelty and strengths of this work should be clearly highlighted in relation to the authors' previous publications and existing literature.
2. The abstract needs to be rewritten with quantitative results obtained from the study.
3. Provide the BET value for the nanoparticles.
4. Section 2 should be rewritten and divided into subsections, for example methods, sample printing (or preparation), color measurements, Spectroscopy, etc.
5. Lines 190-193: please provide this data in the table.
6. Line 212: the authors could perform microscope analyses at higher resolution.
7. The SEM analyses should be performed to confirm the homogeneity of the ink with nanoparticles.
8. Line 248 delta E values should be summarized in a table or chart.
9. In Section 3.2, the authors should provide the FTIR spectra before and after UV radiation to confirm the curing.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

In this study, the authors investigated the effect of adding TiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles to conventional flexographic ink to optimize surface properties and provide anti - counterfeit potential. The experimental approach is comprehensive, and the findings are interesting. It also has certain academic and practical significance in the field of printing technology. However, some revisions are needed before it can be considered for publication.

1. The References section contains a large number of references, but there are obvious format problems. For example, some journal names do not have a common abbreviation.
2. Although the authors have conducted experiments on specific printing substrates (polyester foil), it is necessary to further explore the applicability of modified inks to different polymers to enhance the convincing.
3. In terms of dispersion stability, only the mixing of nanoparticles and inks with ultrasonic equipment is briefly mentioned, and there is no in-depth research and discussion on dispersion stability.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I have no further comments. Well written.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper is improved by the authors according to the reviewers' remarks. In my opinion, the paper can be accepted in its present form.  

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authours have reponsed the revision, and it is recommended to publish.