Impact of Dispersion Methods on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube (CNT)/Iron Oxide (Fe3O4)/Epoxy Composites
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The paper “Impact of Dispersion Methods on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube (CNT)/Iron Oxide (Fe3O4)/Epoxy Composites” by Zulfiqar Ali, Saba Yaqoob, Alberto D'Amore describes innovative materials. The composites of interest were prepared by sonification. The results were visualised by optical microscopy. The authors could synthesize improved materials as it was shown by mechanical characterisations. The authors should look for another material laboratory which have modern instrumentations such as SEM-EDS. SEM-EDS mapping combines spatial resolution and element detection with SEM technique. Thus, a more detailed material characterisation can be obtained.
1. What is the main question addressed by the research?
Synthesis and characterization of composite materials!
2. What parts do you consider original or relevant for the field? What specific gap in the field does the paper address?
Composite materials are of general interest, since they are better adapted to distinct applications as the ingredients. The interfacial area between Fe3O4 and nano tubes should be analysed in an improved resolution.
3. What does it add to the subject area compared with other published material?
Modern spectroscopy would reveal new fields of applications.
4. What specific improvements should the authors consider regarding the methodology? What further controls should be considered?
SEM-EDS mapping of elements would elucidate more detailed structures, especially the interfacial area near to Fe3O4.
5. Please describe how the conclusions are or are not consistent with the evidence and arguments presented. Please also indicate if all main questions posed were addressed and by which specific experiments.
Very traditional strategies were used, thus insufficient experimental data were obtained
6. Are the references appropriate?
The references are appropriate in respect the metrology used, however, innovative spectroscopy would lead to additional citations.
7. Please include any additional comments on the tables and figures and quality of the data.
Modern spectroscopy should generate more innovative data!
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
In the manuscript entitled „Impact of Dispersion Methods on Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube (CNT)/Iron Oxide (Fe3O4)/Epoxy Composites” epoxy composites filled with iron oxide and SWCNTs were subjected to the extensive mechanical tests including elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength and fracture strain. Authors compared two methods of composite fabrication, the first one involved the dispersion of fillers and epoxy matrix in acetone assisted with ultrasonic agitation, the second one involved the mechanic stirring of the components of composite. The homogeneity of the dispersions was assessed by optical microscopy. The results presented here show the advantage of the first method of composite manufacturing for all three filler concentrations considered (0.1wt%, 0.3wt% and 0.5wt%). This is true for both dispersion quality and mechanical properties. Publication of the manuscript in C may be considered after the authors have taken into account the following comments
(1) The comparison presented is very interesting, given the high dispersion resistance of Tuball-derived SWCNTs (OCSiAl). It is difficult to obtain a homogeneous suspension of these nanotubes in acetone. Certainly, Fe2O3 nanoparticles play a key role in improving dispersion. The authors are asked to consider the role of Fe2O3 in obtaining homogeneous dispersions of SWCNTs.
(2) The role of Fe2O3 should also be highlighted in the conclusions.
(3) Line 91: ‘mechanical’ instead of ‘mechanically’.
(4) In section 2.2 please complete the information about the time of mechanical stirring of both fillers, rotation speed and geometry of the stirrer tip and the vessel in which the stirring was realized. These parameters play key role in the mechanical mixing efficiency.
Line 91: ‘mechanical’ instead of ‘mechanically’.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 1 Report
The paper can be published as it is, now!
The paper can be published as it is, now!
Reviewer 2 Report
The revised version of the manuscript takes into account all my comments. Accordingly, I recommend its publication in Journal of Carbon Research, C.
I do not have detailed comments on the substantive content.
