Fluoroelastomers are combined with chemical agents in the presence of
supercritical carbon dioxide by swelling the fluoroelastomer with the
carbon dioxide, and impregnating the swollen fluorelastomer with the
chemical agent. The process can be conducted at relatively low
temperatures and pressures such that degradation of the fluoroelastomer
or the chemical agent is avoided. The chemical agent is preferably a
curing agent which includes functional groups that interact with
functional groups on the fluoroelastomer to create an association
therebetween. The process is enhanced by pre-dissolving the chemical
agent in a solvent which does not solubilize the fluoroelastomer to a
great extent, but which is itself soluble in supercritical carbon
dioxide. In addition, during combining, mechanical mastication is
performed to create a free flowing powder.