| abstract |
A method for enhancing the bond strength between a VDF-containing fluoroplastic layer and an elastomer layer of a multi-layer article. A VDF-containing fluoroplastic composition is applied to the surface of a precursor article that includes a curable elastomer layer to form a fluoroplastic layer. Prior to application of the fluoroplastic composition, the curable elastomer layer is thermally insulated to prevent it from undergoing substantial heating. Following application, the fluoroplastic layer is heated and the curable elastomer layer is cured (e.g., thermally cured). Preferably, the elastomer cure occurs separately from and subsequent to heating the fluoroplastic layer. The combination of thermally insulating the curable elastomer layer prior to application of the fluoroplastic composition and heating the fluoroplastic layer following application of the fluoroplastic composition results in formation of a strong bond between the fluoroplastic and elastomer layers upon cure. |