Abstract: A pump diaphragm includes a layer fabricated from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and an integral stud. In one embodiment, the stud is encapsulated within a hub assembly fabricated from PTFE and fastened to the PTFE layer with adhesive or welding, etc. In alternate embodiments, the stud may be molded in-situ with the PTFE layer using various methodology, including pressing the stud onto a heated PTFE layer. The PTFE layer then may be subjected to various forming operations to provide the diaphragm with desired dimensions and/or properties. Moreover, an additional layer or layers, such as an elastomeric layer, may be laminated onto an inside surface of the PTFE layer to provide a composite pump diaphragm.

Abstract: A composite pump diaphragm 10 includes a layer 12 fabricated from annealed polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bonded to a layer 14 fabricated from an unreinforced thermoplastic elastomer including ethylene-propylene terpolymer (EPDM) and polypropylene. The diaphragm 10 is fabricated by chemically etching the PTFE layer 12, coating a surface thereof with a polyurethane adhesive, superimposing the layer 14 with layer 12 under heat and pressure, and allowing the superimposed layers to cure.