Rubberwood—Potential for Pulp and Composite Board Utilization

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript is a well-designed study, but serious deficiencies exist before it can be published in a journal of this quality.

1- Basic chemical parameters are used to evaluate wood species' utility. For example, wood extractives (hot and cold water) affect glue gelation during board pressing, especially in the fiberboard sector. This indirectly influences board properties. It is important to increase the quality of the study by expanding it in this way.

2-First of all, it is important to which annual rings these woods correspond to rather than classifying the fibers taken from woods of different ages as inner part and middle outer part. Differences between young wood and mature wood can be observed between the inner parts of the old woods and the outer parts.

3-Although it is unclear whether the number of fibers measured is for each parameter or for a single tree, from my inferences, I think that 200 fibers are measured for each parameter. this needs to be clarified, as 1200 fiber measurements are too much for fiber morphology studies. Usually, 100-150 fiber measurements are sufficient to achieve a normal distribution.

4- For statistically significant groups of these measurements after Anova analysis, a multiple comparison test such as Duncan is required and will complete the purpose of the study. It is already known that age and position in the tree affect fiber morphology. It is important to find out how it changes with which age, and it is important to evaluate the wood of which age for the industry. This will provide important information for the industry and the plating rubber industry.

5- The importance of the Runkel coefficient should be highlighted more if the fiberboard industry is targeted rather than papermaking.  Because, unlike the paper industry, the flattening out and collapse of the fibers during pressing on the fiberboard provides adhesion and higher strength. This situation needs to be brought to the forefront by supporting it with different studies.

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

I recommend that in the summary there is more information about the methodology used to extract the rubber wood fibers

Bearing in mind that wood for industrial use is recognized for its chemical and anatomical composition, which are influenced by climatic conditions, I recommend placing climatic information where the wood was extracted in the first paragraph of materials and methods.

I also recommend making a practical scheme or design that shows the parts of the plants that the wood samples were extracted from (photos).

In relation to the determination of the measurements of the wood fibers, I consider it interesting to post photos of the equipment used

On line 103 FL appears (what does that abbreviation mean?) specifying that it is the length of the fibers.

I consider it interesting to carry out a chemical characterization and elemental anatomical components of the rubber plant, not only to analyze its importance due to the size of the fibers, this study will allow justifying its use in the pulp and paper industry, as well as in the composite board industry. of wood. Taking into account that the resin content can influence each of these industrial processes and the final product.

I consider it interesting to relate how the diameter of the fibers influences both in the production of wood composites and for pulp and paper, in the latter, it is considered that the diameter of the fibers can have an influence on the finish of the paper, being a determining factor for some types of papers

Similarly, how does the wall thickness of the fibers influence the production of pulp and paper, as well as for the manufacture of wood composites?

Place at the end of each table the meaning of the letters that are being evaluated

Regarding the conclusions: I consider it important to point out of the four ages of trees evaluated which is the most suitable for these industrial uses, in the same way for the production of wood composites.

How might the anatomical properties of rubberwood be related to the quality of pulp and paper products, as well as to wood composites?

 

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

The study examines an interesting topic related to utilizing rubberwood fibers for pulp, paper, and composite products. Determining fiber properties is key to evaluating suitability for these applications. The manuscript is well-written overall and the study appears to use sound experimental methods. But the manuscript lacks some important details and experiments. A major revision is recommended.

1. The manuscript delves into the significant topic of alternative fiber sources, emphasizing rubberwood. While its foundation is solid, there are areas that can be enhanced for clarity, depth, and comprehensiveness.

 

2. Introduction: The introduction would benefit from a more detailed explanation of the global or regional supply/demand situations concerning alternative fiber sources.

 

3. Materials and Methods: The description of sample collection, especially the criteria for stem differentiation (inner, middle, outer), needs elucidation.

 

4. Illustrations: An illustrative diagram showcasing the wood specimen's cutting and sampling process will aid readers in visualizing the methodological approach.

 

5. Comparative Analysis: It would be valuable to compare different trees under similar parameters to mitigate biases from tree variability.

 

6. Parameter Suitability: The paper should discuss which samples (Tree age, Height, Radial) are the most suitable for composite material or fiberboard production.

 

7. Validation Experiments: To fortify the conclusions, supplementary validation experiments are advised after crafting the composite materials or fiberboards.

 

8. Visuals: Including typical fiber images would provide readers a clearer perspective on the discussed fiber characteristics.

 

9. Conclusion: The conclusion, in its current form, is somewhat broad. Incorporating specific findings will make it more compelling.

 

10. Limitations: Introducing a "Limitations" section will add depth by addressing assumptions or potential weaknesses.

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Wood fibers are a natural polymer composite. That's why you can't exclude the chemical structure. In addition, these values you measure can all change with genetic variation. If you are considering the continuation of this study, you should choose trees with the same genetics, not randomly.

best regards

Reviewer 3 Report

The author answered most of my questions and made corresponding changes. I have no more questions.