An improved elastomeric material is described comprising an essentially noncross-linkable
amorphous copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and perfluoromethyl vinyl ether
(PMVE) which is both a thermoplastic and exhibits exceptional mechanical properties.
This material is particularly suitable for use in ultra-clean environments, and
particularly for use in an implantable device, since it does not contain contaminants
that previous thermoset TFE/PMVE copolymers have required. Among the improved properties
of the present invention are excellent biocompatibility, high matrix tensile strength,
high clarity, high abrasion resistance, high purity, adequate elasticity, and ease
of processing due to the thermoplastic, and noncross-linkable structure of the
copolymer. The material of the present invention is also a high strength bonding
agent particularly suited for bonding porous PTFE to itself or to other porous
substances at room or elevated temperatures.