Abstract: A fluoroplastic resin dispersion is modified by the addition of a fluoroelastomer latex to yield a fluid coating or casting composition for forming films. The fluoroplastic resin dispersion, preferably an aqueous dispersion of a perfluoroplastic, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is modified by blending with a fluoroelastomer composition, preferably a latex, such that the fluoroplastic comprises up to about 95%, preferably up to about 90%, by weight of the invention composition. The fluoroelastomer component comprises at least about 5% by weight of the blend. The fluid composition and film according to the invention may preferably comprise from about 10-95% by weight fluoroplastic and from about 5-90% fluoroelastomer.

Abstract: Dispersion polymerized PTFE itself, if provided in an unfused state, is sufficiently capable of acting as a pressure sensitive adhesive to facilitate the formation of an initial mechanical bond between components of a laminate such that it may be subsequently heat treated in a relatively short period of time to produce a well-bonded final laminate.

Abstract: A multi-layer film of improved adhesive strength and other properties is made by combining a layer of polyimide and one or more layers of fluoropolymer selected from the group consisting of PTFE, thermally compatible TFE copolymers, blends thereof, PVF.sub.2, thermally compatible VF.sub.2 copolymers, blends thereof, PCTFE, thermally compatible CTFE copolymers, and blends thereof. It has been found that the peel adhesion between the polyimide layer and any fluoropolymer layer is greatly improved over known products. Laminated composites of improved adhesion and cohesion are made using such a multi-layer film and at least one fluoropolymer film. The fluoropolymer film is thermally weldable to the polyimide film.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparation of a fluoro-polymeric film on a carrier, covering:(a) preparing an aqueous dispersion of polymeric material;(b) dipping a fluoropolymer pre-treated carrier belt through the dispersion so that a coating of the dispersion is formed on the carrier belt;(c) passing the coated carrier belt through a metering zone to remove excess dispersion;(d) drying the metered coated carrier to remove the water from the dispersion; and(e) heating the dried coated carrier to a temperature sufficient to consolidate the dispersion. The carrier belt is formed from a material of low thermal mass having chemical and dimensional stability at the consolidation temperature of the dispersion and a work of adhesion between the carrier belt and the dispersion that does not exceed the yield strength of the consolidated fluoropolymeric film.

Abstract: Fire and chemical resistant, flexible composites are made from flexible woven, non-woven and knitted substrates and fluoropolymer containing films. Adhesives, such as melt adhesives, may be used in making the composites. The composites are suitable for use in protective garments, and in other articles where flexible chemically resistant materials are needed. A seaming technique for use in protective articles is described.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparation of a fluoropolymeric film on a carrier, comprising:(a) preparing an aqueous dispersion comprising a fluoropolymer;(b) dipping a carrier belt through the dispersion such that a coating of the dispersion is formed on the carrier belt;(c) passing the coated carrier belt through a metering zone to remove excess dispersion;(d) drying the metered coated carrier to remove the water from the dispersion; and(e) heating the dried coated carrier to a temperature sufficient to consolidate the dispersion, wherein the carrier belt is formed from a material of low thermal mass having chemical and dimensional stability at the consolidation temperature of the dispersion and a work of adhesion between the carrier belt and the dispersion that does not exceed the yield strength of the consolidated fluoropolymeric film.

Abstract: A novel composite comprises a substrate having a coating matrix including an initial layer of a perfluoropolymer and an overcoat comprising a fluoroelastomer, a fluoroplastic, a fluoroelastomer/fluoroplastic blend, or a combination thereof. The perfluoropolymer in the initial layer may be a perfluoroplastic, a perfluoroelastomer, or blends thereof. In a separate embodiment, the novel composite includes a substrate coated solely with one or more layers of perfluoroelastomer alone or as a blend with a perfluoroplastic. Where the substrate is not susceptible to hydrogen fluoride corrosion, the composite may include solely one or more layers of a blend of a fluoroelastomer and a hydrogen-containing perfluoroplastic. Cross-linking accelerators may be used to cross-link one or more of the resins contained in the coating layers. Each composite may be top-coated with a layer or layers of a fluoroplastic, fluoroelastomer, and/or a blend thereof.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer containing coatings are applied to substrates, preferably textile substrates, to obtain composites which are flexible and not brittle, and which exhibit a low coefficient of friction, good wear resistance and excellent release properties. This invention comprises the technique of initially coating a flexible substrate, such as glass fabric or a metal mesh, with a fluoropolymer, which serves to prevent cracking upon flexing. The precoated substrate is thereafter coated with a blend of a hard polymer and a fluoropolymer which adheres well to the pre-coated intermediate substrate. Significantly, the composites of the invention are flexible, yet possess the wear resistance of the hard polymer component as well as the frictional and release characteristics of the fluoropolymer components.

Abstract: Fluoropolymer containing coatings are applied to substrates, preferably textile substrates, to obtain composites which are flexible and not brittle, and which exhibit a low coefficient of friction, good wear resistance and excellent release properties. This invention comprises the technique of initially coating a flexible substrate, such as glass fabric or a metal mesh, with a fluoropolymer, which serves to prevent cracking upon flexing. The precoated substrate is thereafter coated with a blend of a hard polymer and a fluoropolymer which adheres well to the pre-coated intermediate substrate. Significantly, the composites of the invention are flexible, yet possess the wear resistance of the hard polymer component as well as the frictional and release characteristics of the fluoropolymer components.

Abstract: A fluoroplastic resin dispersion is modified by the addition of a fluoroelastomer latex to yield a fluid coating or casting composition. The fluoroplastic resin dispersion, preferably an aqueous dispersion of a perfluoroplastic, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), is modified by blending with a fluoroelastomer composition, preferably a latex, such that the fluoroplastic comprises up to about 95%, preferably up to about 90%, by weight of the invention composition. The fluoroelastomer component comprises at least about 5% by weight of the blend. The fluid compositions according to the invention may preferably comprise from about 10-95% by weight fluoroplastic and from about 5-95% fluoroelastomer.

Abstract: An acoustic absorber and a method for absorbing sound utilize a substrate having a plurality of openings therethrough. An organic polymer coating covers the substrate and partially fills the openings in the substrate to form an acoustic absorber having a porosity not greater than 60 CFM/ft.sup.2.