Ceramics Based on Sodium Rhenanite CaNaPO₄, Obtained via Firing of Composite Cement-Salt Stone

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors prepared a manuscript about ceramics based on sodium rhenanite NaCaPO4, obtained via firing of composite cement-salt stone.

The title fully describes the subject matter of the article. In my judgment, the presented information in the manuscript is useful and reliable. The research techniques used in the work are adequate for the conducted research. In my opinion, the figures and tables included in the manuscript are of good quality and require no corrections.

In my opinion, information on the parameters of the XRD measurement should be added to the manuscript. please add this information in section "2.3.1. XRD"

In the investigation, the authors the microstructure of the ceramic materials was studied using an LEO SUPRA 50VP 85 (Carl Zeiss, Germany). How did you prepare the samples for the SEM observation? Did you the specimens coated with carbon sputter for SEM observation? Add this information to the manuscript.

As far as I am concerned, the authors of the manuscript should necessarily refer to the other publications in the "Introduction" section. It seems to me that there are many interesting works about ceramics based on sodium rhenanite NaCaPO4, obtained via firing of composite cement-salt stone that has been published in recent years, which could be added to the "Introduction" part of the manuscript. The authors can use more papers to support the work and demonstrate the knowledge behind it. Did you find in the literature on the subject similar research that you presented in the article?

The above paper may be of possible technical interest. However, for submitting it to the Editorial review process English of the whole paper will mandatorily require considerable language revision efforts. Authors should take the help of some reliable example professional agency to proofread their manuscript or of a native English speaker with some technical knowledge of the subject.

The paper needs a little improvement only after which it can be published. I would suggest developing the introduction.

 

 

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments! Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

1. More characteristics and application prospects of this material can be introduced in the introduction or conclusion, such as the absorption of orthopaedic implants. In addition, since there are many manufacture methods for NaCaPO4 ceramics, please explain why this new method is adopted and the advantages of this method in the introduction.

2. Although the mechanical property testing is described in the Materials and Methods section, no data of the mechanical property of the sample is seen in the results and discussion section. Please add the data and analysis. In addition, please explain why the sample size of the bending and compressive strength test is 30 * 10 * 10, and please publish more relevant data, such as the number of repeated tests and the loading rate of the mechanical testing machine. Also, please describe more about the experiment and test method of high temperature shrinkage.

3. Line （b）description for Figure 1 is missing;

4. In Fig 2, please use arrows or boxes to mark CaHPO4 • 2H2O and NaH2PO4 particles;

5. The scale bar in Fig. 4 seems to be deformed after stretching. If possible, please change it to the version with normal size.

6. There are quite a few references of co-authors themselves, e.g. no. 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 16.

Also many articles are published 20 years ago in the References. Please explain the reasons why these articles must be cited, and I personally suggest that they be revised into more recent articles and placed in appropriate corresponding positions in the text. Check title of reference 18.

7. Please let native English speakers polish the article.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments! Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 3 Report

Title: Ceramics based on sodium rhenanite NaCaPO4, obtained via firing of composite cement-salt stone           

I have the following suggestions in this regard.

1)            A fully contained nomenclature must be added to the text, and all abbreviations must be explained.

2)            Introduction and abstract are very poor and short and need major revision.

3)            As a reader, I would like to see references to the literature, where the basic equations, were derived.

4)            Give a thorough review of the English language. The language used in the manuscript can be more specific to the scope and aim of the study.

5)            The authors must revise the literature survey with recent articles. Illustrate better the function of Re and the results obtained.

6)            Include recent literature in the introduction. The authors should review the other new investigation on their study way in the introduction part and finally note the novelty of the article. The authors should note the main goal of the research directly in a sentence at the end of the introduction.  

 

7) Section “Results and discussion” is poorly written. More details on quantities should be provided.

Author Response

Thank you for your valuable comments! Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Thank you very much for the answers and the revised manuscript. 

In the current version, I recommend the manuscript for publication.

Reviewer 2 Report

The paper “Ceramics based on sodium rhenanite NaCaPO4, obtained via firing of composite cement-salt stone ” is suitable for publication after some minor revisions:

1、Please unify the molecular formula of sodium rhenanite, NaCaPO4 or CaNaPO4.

2、Please explain in detail why there are two CO₂ peaks on the T-G curve before 400 ℃.

3、With an increase in firing temperature from 700 to 900 °C, please explain why the ceramic density increased from 0.68 to 0.94 g/cm³.

4、Please keep the graph size of the article consistent.

Reviewer 3 Report

-