The Apparent Activation Energy of a Novel Low-Calcium Silicate Hydraulic Binder
, João Pereira 2, Ricardo Bayão Horta 1, Patrizia Paradiso 1,3 and Rogério Colaço 1,3Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The development of hydraulic binders which match the technical, economic and workability qualities of OPC, but allow the reduction of the ecologic footprint, represents a target and a challenge toboth researchers and the cement industry.The novelty of this work is the determination of activation energy, based on the Arrhenius equation, for a novel low calcium hydraulic binder. In this work the activation energy of a novel low-calcium hydraulic binder was experimentally obtained usingcalorimetric experiments at 20, 25, 30 and 35⁰ C. The obtained results showed that the calculated Eacorrelates with the acceleration phase. It wasalsoobserved that the experimental Ea, calculated for this new amorphous hydraulic binder (82-85 kJ/mol),is higher than that of alite or belite 307(51 and 55 kJ/mol). This difference in Eamay be a result of the different hydration products formed with a lower C/S ratio of 1.1. Higher Eaat the acceleration phasemay be relatedto highermean silicate chains length of C-S-H with alower C/S ratio.
Very interesting work. Of interest to readers
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Suggestions are contained in the attached PDF file.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
The work and topic are current.
The manuscript can be potentially interesting for readers of the Materials journal.
The manuscript has the usual structure.
At present, a number of authors in the world are engaged in the solved research area. In particular, the ability to reduce the impact and production of CO2 is very important for sustainable development.
The addressed area includes a number of aspects and approaches, where recent articles include:
Bilek, V.; et. al. Frost Resistance of Alkali-Activated Concrete—An Important Pillar of Their Sustainability. Sustainability 2021, 13, 473.
Amran, M.; et.al. Fly Ash-Based Eco-Efficient Concretes: A Comprehensive Review of the Short-Term Properties. Materials 2021, 14, 4264.
I recommend rewriting and expanding the introduction section.
In the discussion and conclusion, the authors should focus more on formulating new knowledge and benefits for further research.
The manuscript must be revised before publication.
Authors must also carefully prepare and review the manuscript according to the MDPI template.
For example, all references are in the wrong format.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 4 Report
Please find attached a PDF file with my comments and suggestions for authors.
Comments for author File: Comments.pdf
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 2 Report
Judging by the short time the editors have given me to respond to the changes made by the authors, my review is intended to be a mere formality and publication is a foregone conclusion. Since the weaknesses I have pointed out in the article, only some of which have been superficially corrected, do not bother the editors, and even less do the ethical issues I have pointed out, let formalities be satisfied. If he believed that it made any difference, I would again tick the 'reject' option....
Reviewer 3 Report
The authors reworked the manuscript.
The revised manuscript has a significantly greater informative value.
All important information in the manuscript is given.
The visual of the manuscript has also improved significantly.
Information on the methods and results used is extended.
The solved area of activation energy of a novel low-calcium silicate hydraulic binder is paid attention, when the manuscript sufficiently and interestingly expands the knowledge in the field of physical-mechanical properties.
The manuscript is suitable for publication and will be potentially interesting for readers of Material journal.
