A process involves adding a peroxide masterbatch to a molten blend of a
fluorocarbon elastomer and a thermoplastic material. The peroxide
masterbatch contains greater than or equal to 5% weight percent organic
peroxide, further contains a fluorocarbon elastomer, and typically also
contains a crosslinker containing at least two sites of olefinic
unsaturation. The fluorocarbon elastomer in the molten blend and in the
peroxide masterbatch may be the same or different. After the peroxide
masterbatch is added to the molten blend, the combination is mixed at a
temperature and for a time sufficient to effect cure of the fluorocarbon
elastomers. By using a masterbatch, a faster and more uniform dispersion
of peroxide curative is possible due to pre-dispersion of peroxide in the
elastomer phase, which leads to shaped articles having improved
mechanical properties.