A novel cross-linker polymethyl(ketoxime)siloxane was synthesized and then was cured with hydroxyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane matrix to fabricate a series of novel RTV silicone rubber. Their properties was comparatively investigated.

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) with various shapes and size was prepared using CaCl2 and Na2CO3 aqueous solutions containing various additives. High density polyethylene (HDPE)/4 wt% CaCO3 composites were prepared using a Haake Rotational Rheometer. The effects of the CaCO3 particle shapes and size on the thermal and mechanical properties were investigated and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and universal testing machine. The results show the addition of CaCO3 to HDPE can increase the crystallization and decrease the melting temperature and crystallization temperature. The tensile yield strength of the composites was higher than that of HDPE. Sphere-like CaCO3 is the best form in improving the thermal stability and cubic CaCO3 can cause negative effect to the toughness. The impact strength of the composites is significantly increased with decreasing CaCO3 particle size. SEM examination of the fractured surfaces of the composites shows that CaCO3 reacted in cavitations and “lance” functions which increase the impact strength of the HDPE/CaCO3 composites.

Additives like Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) improve CO2 hydrates thermal stability and growth rate when used separately. It has been hypothesised that combining them could improve the kinetics of growth and the thermodynamic stability of CO2 hydrates. We exploit atomistic molecular dynamics simulation to investigate the combined impact of THF and SDS under different temperatures and concentrations. The simulation insights are verified experimentally using pendant drop tensiometry conducted at ambient pressures and high-pressure differential scanning calorimetry. Our simulations revealed that the combination of both additives is synergistic at low temperatures but antagonistic at temperatures above 274.1 K due to the aggregation SDS molecules induced by THF molecules. These aggregates effectively remove THF and CO2 from the hydrate-liquid interface, thereby reducing the driving force for hydrates growth. Experiments revealed that the critical micelle concentration of SDS in water decreases by 20% upon the addition of THF. Further experiments showed that only small amounts of SDS with THF is sufficient to increase the CO2 storage efficiency by over 40% compared to results obtained without promoters. These results provide microscopic insights into the mechanisms of THF and SDS promoters on CO2 hydrates, which allow for determining the optimal condition for hydrate growth.