Abstract: Methods of bonding highly-fluorinated thermoplastics to elastomers are described. The methods include apply primers comprising at least one aromatic silane and at least one amino-silane to an uncured elastomer and irradiating the primer with actinic radiation before or after applying the highly-fluorinated thermoplastics. The elastomer may then be cured to provide articles having good adhesion between the highly-fluorinated thermoplastic and the cured elastomer.

Abstract: This disclosure describes co-extruded multilayer articles including at least one continuous layer and one discontinuous layer, as well as systems and techniques for the manufacture of co-extruded multilayer articles. For example, a co-extruded multilayer article is described that includes a body having a plurality of layers, where a first layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a first material and is continuous along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a second layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a second material and is discontinuously co-extruded along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This disclosure describes co-extruded multilayer articles including at least one continuous layer and one discontinuous layer, as well as systems and techniques for the manufacture of co-extruded multilayer articles. For example, a co-extruded multilayer article is described that includes a body having a plurality of layers, where a first layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a first material and is continuous along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a second layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a second material and is discontinuously co-extruded along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This disclosure describes co-extruded multilayer articles including at least one continuous layer and one discontinuous layer, as well as systems and techniques for the manufacture of co-extruded multilayer articles. For example, a co-extruded multilayer article is described that includes a body having a plurality of layers, where a first layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a first material and is continuous along a longitudinal axis of the body, and a second layer of the plurality of layers is formed from a second material and is discontinuously co-extruded along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Provided is a multilayer article having a partially fluorinated or a perfluorinated fluoroplastic layer, a layer that comprises a copolymer comprising interpolymerized units derived from at least one monomer having a glycidyl functional group, and a substrate. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the substrate layer and adhesively bonds the first layer and substrate layer. Optionally, there is provided a third layer including a perfluoroplastic, where the first layer is disposed between the second layer and the third layer and adhesively bonds the second layer to the third layer. Also provided are methods of making multilayer articles and methods of using multilayer articles.

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.

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.

Abstract: An illumination waveguide that includes: a core having a cross-section in which the shortest dimension of the cross-section is at least one millimeter; and a cladding surrounding the core that includes a polymer having an optically smooth inner surface.