Study on the Tribological Properties of Micro-Al2O3 Modified Carbon Fiber Hybrid-Reinforced Polymer
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript presents an interesting study on the tribological properties of micro-sized Al2O3-modified carbon fiber hybrid reinforced polymer composites (CFHRP) prepared using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process. The topic is relevant, and the experimental approach is appropriate for investigating the effect of carbon fiber surface doping with trace amounts of Al2O3 on the tribological behavior of the composites.
1. Suggested providing more detailed information about the experimental methodology. It is important to describe the specific materials used.
2. The manuscript currently contains repetitive statements that could be condensed or merged to avoid redundancy. Consider organizing the results section in a logical manner, grouping related findings together, and using subheadings to improve readability.
3. While the current findings provide important information on the friction and wear behavior of the CFHRP composites, it would be valuable to discuss the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed effects.
4. The authors could compare their results with previous studies in the field and highlight the novelty or significance of their findings.
5. It is recommended to provide more detailed information on the limitations of the study.
6. A thorough proofreading and editing pass to address any grammatical errors, sentence structure issues, and clarity problems.
7. Discuss the potential practical applications of the micro-sized Al2O3-modified carbon fiber hybrid reinforced polymer composites (CFHRP). Elaborate on specific industries or sectors where these composites could be utilized, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, or sporting goods.
8. Highlight the unique properties or advantages of CFHRP compared to traditional materials in these applications.
9. Consider discussing the potential challenges or limitations that may arise when implementing CFHRP in practical applications. Address factors such as cost, scalability of production, integration with existing manufacturing processes, and long-term durability.
10. Conclusion can be made concise focusing on the objective of the current work.
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Title: Study on the Tribological Properties of Micro-Al2O3 Modified Carbon Fiber Hybrid Reinforced Polymer
Manuscript ID: coatings-2441293
Recommendation and Comments
In this manuscript, tribology properties of micro-Al2O3 modified carbon fiber hybrid reinforced polymer material have been investigated. The authors did an experiment to examine the characteristics of reinforced polymer composite which include phase structures, surface morphology and detailed tribology properties. Also, the authors investigated to optimize the frictional wear properties of high performance fiber reinforced composites.
English writing in the manuscript should be revised. Some details in this manuscript need to be corrected, and I suggest that the manuscript needs minor revision.
1. In section 2.1, I recommend that resolution of the Figure 2 could be increased and the inscriptions in the figure could be clarified. Also, “Al2O3” should be revised to “Al2O3” in the caption Table 2.
2. In section 2.2, I suggest that inscriptions in the figure 3 could be clarified. It should be corrected by the upper and lower indexes of the units (e.g., mm3, cm3).
3. In section 3.2, the author mentioned about lower friction coefficient under water lubrication condition for CF1 sample. Why are similar friction coefficient formed at different Al2O3 content samples. Could it be said that Al2O3 content is ineffective for dry friction condition. Although XRD analyses of the CF1 did not seem Al2O3 content, how can it explain lower friction coefficient for the CF1 sample? It is expected that variable content Al2O3 will be effective in both dry and water friction conditions. Could you explain how it forms the stable protective layer of aluminum oxide.
4. In section 3.3, the texts on figure 7 and figure 8 are not clear. Please change the text color. The author mentioned about wear areas on the CF2 and CF3 samples is reduced compared CF1 without of Al2O3 content. If it is specified addition of Al2O3 reduces wear marks, CF1 sample have lower friction coefficient, which contradicts what is mentioned in section 3.2.
5. In section 3.4, could you explain how Al2O3 content (6% and 1%) affects volume wear rate? Please explain comparatively wear rate differences between the CF2 and CF3. I suggest that inscriptions in figure 9, 10 and 11 could be clarified.
6. In section 3.5, please reposition (a), (b) and (c) texts on figure 12.
7. In section 4, what does mean “… friction-increasing effect is the best.” To increase visibility of the article, it could be emphasized more with 6% Al2O3 content in conclusions. I recommend that conclusions could be written as text rather than items.
Comments for author File: 
Comments.docx
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 3 Report
The authors of the manuscript “Study on the Tribological Properties of Micro-Al2O3 Modified Carbon Fiber Hybrid Reinforced Polymer” have done a good job.
Despite this, there are minor comments that need to be corrected before this manuscript is published.
Line 119 – In the reference [21] another equation for the wear rate is presented. Please, correct the equation in your manuscript in concordance with the reference [21], or indicate other references, in which the equation (1) was used.
Line 191 and 210 – Text in the both Figure 7 (a, b and c) and Figure 8 (a, b and c) is no legible. Please, use another color, and another font size
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
Reviewer 4 Report
This study deals with the experimental investigation of tribological properties of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) under the addition of micro-Al2O3. Several issues should be solved before considering publication.
[1] Abstract: The highlighted content of your study was not well explained.
[2] The selection of mass fraction of micro-Al2O3 is not clear. Because the 6% condition is best among three candidates of CFRP, optimal mass fraction of micro-Al2O3 may be existed between 1%-6% or more than 6%.
[3] Simulation: The result may be acceptable for the reliable simulation model but lack of model validation. The condition of contact or wear was not well explained. In addition, I think the investigation of the influence of radial inertia load can be expected without simulation process.
[4] The measurement method of three-dimensional morphology were not well explained, either.
Minor English checking is needed for revised form.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
All the comments were addressed and the manuscript can be accepted in its current form.
Reviewer 4 Report
Raised issues were cleared in the revised version. I am positive for the current version.
Minor English editing may be helpful for enhancing the readability of the current version.
