Three pairs of samples synthesized at ascending temperatures are investigated here, each including silica-coated calcium carbonate and its reference blank at a specific temperature. XRD results show that coated silicon dioxide is amorphous. The percentage of surface coated by silicon dioxide is proportional to the synthesizing temperature examined by XPS. Considering the possible application as an acetic proof composite material dispersed in polymer matrix for reinforcement and corrosion resistance, the London component of the surface energy, gamma(S)(D), which to some extent is valuable in evaluating the particle-matrix interface, is intensively investigated by an inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite concentrations. A preliminary explanation is given to account for the variation of gamma(S)(D) values with the column temperature. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.