Abstract: A method for producing a modified gum by direct fluorination of a polymer gum. The polymer gum must be substantially uncross-linked prior to fluorination. The degree of fluorination is controlled to provide fluorinated gums having different degrees of fluorine uptake and available cross-linking sites. The resulting modified gum can be cured alone or in combination with one or more supplemental polymers to form a wide variety of elastomeric articles. Additives, such as fillers, lubricants and plasticizers may also be combined with the modified gum and added polymers during compounding and final curing.

Abstract: A method of reducing the static and dynamic coefficients of friction and improving the wear life of thermoset elastomeric articles is disclosed. The elastomeric articles are fluorinated in the presence of a hydrogen fluoride scavenger under conditions sufficient to reduce said friction coefficient and improve said wear life, without promoting degradation of the tensile properties of the articles.

Abstract: A method of producing fluorinated elastomeric articles having reduced coefficients of friction, improved wear life and improved resistance to fluid permeability. A thermoplastic elastomeric article is exposed to gaseous fluorine in a reactor vessel under reaction conditions sufficient to create a fluorinated material on the external portions of the elastomeric article, which fluorinated material extends inwardly into the matrix of the article, without promoting degradation of the tensile properties of the article.