Characterisation of a New Generation of AlMgZr and AlMgSc Filler Materials for Welding Metal–Ceramic Composites

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The paper provides valuable insights into the challenges and solutions related to welding components made of metal-ceramic composites. The study focuses on the development of a chemical composition of the additive material for TIG welding of aluminium-ceramic composites, specifically Al-Si/SiC composites. The authors address the complexities arising from the presence of a ceramic phase in the aluminium alloy matrix and the interactions between the molten metal matrix and ceramic particles during welding.

 

One of the strengths of the paper lies in its detailed exploration of the influence of reinforcing particles on the susceptibility of the aluminium matrix to hot and cold cracking. The research scope includes the development of filler materials containing elements such as magnesium, scandium, or zirconium to modify the crystallisation mode of the weld pool and enhance strengthening precipitates. This approach demonstrates a thorough understanding of the material science aspects involved in welding metal-ceramic composites.

 

However, a critical review of the paper also reveals some areas for potential improvement. Firstly, the paper could benefit from providing more detailed experimental results and analysis to support the claims and conclusions presented. Additionally, discussing the limitations or challenges faced during the research process would enhance the transparency and credibility of the study. Also, please check the title of the paper; it should be AlMgZr instead of AlMZr. 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

ok

Author Response

Dear reviewer,
thank you for your comments and suggestions.

In response to each of them individually:

Ad. 1. Firstly, the paper could benefit from providing more detailed experimental results and analysis to support the claims and conclusions presented. Additionally, discussing the limitations or challenges faced during the research process would enhance the transparency and credibility of the study.

Section 2.2. (Research methodology) has been expanded to include description of main limitation encountered during the analysis process. To be exact, in order to limit possible impact of oxidation process of the aluminium, all test has been carried out within 15 minutes of completion of the digestion process of the samples.

Ad. 2. Also, please check the title of the paper; it should be AlMgZr instead of AlMZr.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, this clerical error has been corrected.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Dear Authors,

The paper is interesting, but I have some questions/comments.

1. Purpose of the paper and its significance should be clearly stated at the end of the introduction to help improve the discussion of results.

2. All figures in which X-ray analyses are presented, starting with Figure 4, require an improvement in graphic quality by increasing the resolution to at least 600 dpi and increasing the font size on the diagrams to the font size found within the tables where the chemical composition of the material is presented.

3. An improvement in resolution and uniformity of font size is also needed in Figures 13 and 14.

4. A brief description (name, accuracy class) of the equipment used in the microhardness, tensile and impact tests is required.

5. In a scientific paper, as a rule, conclusions are the ones that end the paper and discussions make an analysis of the results, preceding the conclusions. A revision of the manuscript in this regard would be necessary.

6. The correct way of writing references must be checked in accordance with the requirements of Applied Sciences.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

A check-up for missing spaces, commas or periods is always needed, but overall English is good.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,
thank you for your comments and suggestions.

In response to each of them individually:

Ad. 1. Purpose of the paper and its significance should be clearly stated at the end of the introduction to help improve the discussion of results.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention, additional paragraph has been added at the end of the introduction.

2. All figures in which X-ray analyses are presented, starting with Figure 4, require an improvement in graphic quality by increasing the resolution to at least 600 dpi and increasing the font size on the diagrams to the font size found within the tables where the chemical composition of the material is presented.

All figures presenting X-ray analyses are presented in raw format, as delivered by equipment (DX-EDAX X-ray analyser). Any modifications might affect their credibility. According to requirements provided in “Instructions for Authors” all images should be either 1000 pixels in width/height or have resolution of 300 dpi, to which we complied. Pdf version of manuscript has slightly lower quality of images, however it was automatically generated by MDPI and therefore cannot be changed.

 

3. An improvement in resolution and uniformity of font size is also needed in Figures 13 and 14.

Issue is same as above, however label of axis “alloy” has been capitalised to achieve uniformity of Figures 13 and 14.

4. A brief description (name, accuracy class) of the equipment used in the microhardness, tensile and impact tests is required.

Section 2.2. (Research methodology) has been expanded to include further information about test equipment and main limitations encountered during the analysis process.

5. In a scientific paper, as a rule, conclusions are the ones that end the paper and discussions make an analysis of the results, preceding the conclusions. A revision of the manuscript in this regard would be necessary.

Article is formatted according to template provided by MDPI, to which we complied. He template states that “Conclusions” section is optional and should only be included if the discussion is unusually long or complex.

6. The correct way of writing references must be checked in accordance with the requirements of Applied Sciences.

All positions have been checked and corrected where required.  

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I think it is a great job. But consider that wettability tests should have been carried out on the composites, for which these brazing alloys are designed.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,
thank you for your comments. This study focused on filler materials only, further tests regarding wettability of reinforcing phase are planned and should be topic of another article.

Reviewer 4 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This article provides an simple characterization of the new generation welding filler materials AlMZr and AlMgSc, addressing the challenges in TIG welding of metal-ceramic composites. The author prepared a series of experimental materials through casting and subsequent heat treatment and systematically evaluated their microstructure and mechanical properties. The research findings indicate that the addition of zirconium or scandium can significantly improve the performance of the welding materials, which is crucial for enhancing the quality and reliability of welded joints. However, the abstract of this article is of poor quality, failing to reflect the main research content and innovation points of the article. I suggest a minor revision before further process.

Author Response

Dear reviewer,
thank you for your comments and suggestions. Abstract has been improved to reflect main points of the article.