Wood from Field Tests as a Model for Assessing the Suitability of Post-Consumer Wood
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe authors conducted comprehensive tests to evaluate different wood properties. This study is of great value for the recycling of materials and environmental protection. In order to present the research to peers better, some revisions are needed as follows:
1. In the Part of 2.1, please change the explanation of wood products in the form of Table, according to serial number, name, ingredients, properties, abbreviations, etc.
2. The test results are exhibited in tables, it is difficult to see the differences in the properties of various types of wood. Would it be more appropriate to change the results to a bar chart?
3. There are no images throughout the text, please provide a flowchart for the experiment. For each test, please also provide photos of samples, especially those that can vividly reflect the experimental results.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageExtensive editing of English language is required.
Author Response
Answer for Reviewer 1 of the manuscript entitled
" Wood from Field Tests as a Model for Assessing the Suitability of Post-Consumer Wood"
Manuscript ID: forests-2775274
Authors: Waldemar Perdoch, Benc Mateusz, Bartłomiej Mazela
We thank the reviewer for every comment, which made us revise the article and improve its quality. Point-by-point responses to all the comments can be found below. All changes are moreover highlighted within the revised version of the manuscript.
- In the Part of 2.1, please change the explanation of wood products in the form of Table, according to serial number, name, ingredients, properties, abbreviations, etc.
Answer: According to the Reviewer's suggestion, the table with the details of the materials was added in part 2.1.
- The test results are exhibited in tables, it is difficult to see the differences in the properties of various types of wood. Would it be more appropriate to change the results to a bar chart?
Answer: The experimental data presentation was changed according to the above suggestions. Figures 1-4 substituted tables 1-4. Moreover, delta E data were transferred from tables 5-7 to figures 5-7.
- There are no images throughout the text, please provide a flowchart for the experiment. For each test, please also provide photos of samples, especially those that can vividly reflect the experimental results.
Answer: New figures 9 and 10 were added. Both of them show samples before and after color measurements (after aging and after brushing – which were defined as non-aging samples)
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis study delves into the durability of various wood species against fungal decay and fire, along with examining color stability over time due to different treatments. Results highlighted significant effects of treatments on wood resistance to C. puteana, showcasing the potential of furfurylated wood as exceptionally fire-resistant. Moreover, the analysis unveiled crucial insights into color stability under UV exposure. These findings underscore the practical implications for the construction industry, emphasizing the value of this research in selecting materials for long-term use in outdoor settings.
The research paper would benefit from some refinements in line with the suggestions and comments provided:
List institutional affiliations in accordance with Forests journal guidelines
Introduction: It is necessary to expand the number of references in the introduction to enrich the research context and provide readers with a comprehensive overview of relevant literature.
Summary:
More precise reporting of results: The summary could contain more specific research findings, enabling readers to immediately grasp the key discoveries and contributions of this work.
Clearer emphasis on the importance of results: Adding a brief description of how the obtained results contribute to the field of research or industry can enhance the attractiveness of the study.
Materials and Methods:
Materials:
More detailed information on impregnation and modification procedures: If possible, additional details about wood impregnation or modification methods can provide a better understanding of the characteristics of the samples used.
Additional data on exposure conditions: More comprehensive information about environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, UV exposure) during the seven-year period can provide context for the test results. I recommend including images of wood samples before and after the seven-year exposure period. These images can offer a visual insight into the changes in the wood's physical properties following exposure to various test conditions.
Results and Discussion:
3.1. Durability of Wood against C. puteana
The study demonstrated significant findings regarding the resistance of different wood species to C. puteana. Various treatments distinctly impacted their ability to resist this fungus.
3.2. Durability of Wood Against Fire
The research showed how different wood species react to various fire classes, with furfurylated wood standing out as exceptionally fire-resistant. Highlighting the chemical and structural differences between furfurylated and untreated wood could better explain the high fire resistance of furfurylated wood.
3.3. Colour Stabilities of Aging Wood
The analysis of color changes in wood with different treatments and UV exposures provided important insights into color stability over time.
Conclusions
The conclusions are clearly derived from the research results and offer valuable insights into wood resistance to C. puteana, fire, and color changes through various treatments.
Include a paragraph emphasizing the practical applications of these conclusions in the construction industry or in selecting materials for outdoor use, further highlighting the value of this research in the real world.
Author Response
Answer for Reviewer 2 of the manuscript entitled
" Wood from Field Tests as a Model for Assessing the Suitability of Post-Consumer Wood"
Manuscript ID: forests-2775274
Authors: Waldemar Perdoch, Benc Mateusz, Bartłomiej Mazela
We thank the reviewer for every comment, which made us revise the article and improve its quality. Point-by-point responses to all the comments can be found below. All changes are moreover highlighted within the revised version of the manuscript.
The research paper would benefit from some refinements in line with the suggestions and comments provided:
List institutional affiliations in accordance with Forests journal guidelines
Answer: Authors institutional Affiliations were upgraded.
Introduction: It is necessary to expand the number of references in the introduction to enrich the research context and provide readers with a comprehensive overview of relevant literature.
Answer: According to the Reviewers suggestion, an introduction part was extended with new data and literature sources (Lines: 37-47, 50, 52-23, 54-68, 79-96)
Summary:
More precise reporting of results: The summary could contain more specific research findings, enabling readers to immediately grasp the key discoveries and contributions of this work.
Clearer emphasis on the importance of results: Adding a brief description of how the obtained results contribute to the field of research or industry can enhance the attractiveness of the study.
Answer: A summary was modified according to the Reviewer's suggestions (lines 22-25). An application and practical approach were added to the conclusions (lines 367-372).
Materials and Methods:
Materials:
More detailed information on impregnation and modification procedures: If possible, additional details about wood impregnation or modification methods can provide a better understanding of the characteristics of the samples used.
Answer: According to Rewie's suggestion, more data in Table 1 was added in part 2.1.
Additional data on exposure conditions: More comprehensive information about environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, UV exposure) during the seven-year period can provide context for the test results. I recommend including images of wood samples before and after the seven-year exposure period. These images can offer a visual insight into the changes in the wood's physical properties following exposure to various test conditions.
Answer: The environmental conditions of the field test were added in lines 134-138.
New figures 9 and 10 were added. Both of them show samples before and after color measurements (after aging and after brushing – which were defined as non-aging samples)
Results and Discussion:
3.1. Durability of Wood against C. puteana
The study demonstrated significant findings regarding the resistance of different wood species to C. puteana. Various treatments distinctly impacted their ability to resist this fungus.
Answer: A discussion of durability tests was extended in the current version of the manuscript.
3.2. Durability of Wood Against Fire
The research showed how different wood species react to various fire classes, with furfurylated wood standing out as exceptionally fire-resistant. Highlighting the chemical and structural differences between furfurylated and untreated wood could better explain the high fire resistance of furfurylated wood.
Answer: According to the information contained in lines 243-247, a probable reason for better fire behavior of furfurylated wood was delayed time to ignition through furfuryl alcohol. In the context of a short screening test with MFT (120 sek.), later ignition time can critically impact test results.
3.3. Colour Stabilities of Aging Wood
The analysis of color changes in wood with different treatments and UV exposures provided important insights into color stability over time.
Answer: Thank you for this comment.
Conclusions
The conclusions are clearly derived from the research results and offer valuable insights into wood resistance to C. puteana, fire, and color changes through various treatments.
Include a paragraph emphasizing the practical applications of these conclusions in the construction industry or in selecting materials for outdoor use, further highlighting the value of this research in the real world.
Answer: A main conclusion for practical application was added to the conclusions (lines 367-372)
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe paper represents the suitability of treated wood after being in service/or tests for post-consumer products. Even though the paper gives some valuable information the biological performance of various treated products subjected to 7-year-tests previously, in order to observe the biological resistance of retired treated wood products, we need to tests treated wood materials being in service for more extended periods to get more realistic test results.
On the other hand, before decay tests, it would be better to analyze to observe how much CCA (CCA-treated wood), Cu (Cu-org), linseed oil, etc. were still available in the test specimens after 7-year-tests. Likewise, it would be beneficial to compare the recent test results with previous tests results to see the differences over the years. More discussion is needed for above considerations.
Comments on the Quality of English Language
Can be improved for better understanding.
Author Response
Answer for Reviewer 3 of the manuscript entitled
" Wood from Field Tests as a Model for Assessing the Suitability of Post-Consumer Wood"
Manuscript ID: forests-2775274
Authors: Waldemar Perdoch, Benc Mateusz, Bartłomiej Mazela
We thank the reviewer for every comment, which made us revise the article and improve its quality. Point-by-point responses to all the comments can be found below. All changes are moreover highlighted within the revised version of the manuscript.
The paper represents the suitability of treated wood after being in service/or tests for post-consumer products. Even though the paper gives some valuable information the biological performance of various treated products subjected to 7-year-tests previously, in order to observe the biological resistance of retired treated wood products, we need to tests treated wood materials being in service for more extended periods to get more realistic test results.
On the other hand, before decay tests, it would be better to analyze to observe how much CCA (CCA-treated wood), Cu (Cu-org), linseed oil, etc. were still available in the test specimens after 7-year-tests. Likewise, it would be beneficial to compare the recent test results with previous tests results to see the differences over the years. More discussion is needed for above considerations.
Answer: The authors agree with the Reviewer that a manuscript presents only part of the life cycle of untreated and treated wood. According to literature data, reports often skip this middle or long-term exposition. Even if field tests last 5 or 7 years, the field tests are presented as final results. The superior aim of the work was to show a way that field – tests can fill a knowledge gap that comes from lab scale tests and post-consumer waste wood. A new approach to wood after field testing is presented in this context. This approach is focused on the possibilities of using aging wood in field tests as a model post-consumer material for extended knowledge, e.g., in the frame of circular economy and cascading utilization of wood materials.
In the current version of the manuscript, more literature data was presented and discussed to explain better the aging process of untreated, treated, and modified wood.
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsIt is recommend to publish this paper.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageExtensive editing of English language is required.
