| abstract |
A sealing element comprising a mold (7) with a hollow cylindrical configuration having therein a polymeric gel with a cone penetration value of about 30 to about 400 (10-1 mm) and an elongation of from about 25% to about 850% and at least one cylindrical mandrel (2) positioned in the mold (7) such that the polymeric gel has one or more holes extending at least partially therethrough. The mold (7) and mandrels (2) are made of a material having a flexural modulus of at least about 4 x 103 psi that is substantially incompatible with the polymeric gel, is dimensionally stable at the temperature the polymeric gel was formed, and has a release rate of at least 0.02 in/sec on 180o peeling. A method of making a sealing element is also disclosed. |