Elastomeric polymers are combined with chemical agents in the presence of
supercritical fluids such as supercritical carbon dioxide by swelling the
polymer with the supercritical fluid, and impregnating the swollen
polymer with the chemical agent. The process can be conducted at
relatively low temperatures and pressures such that degradation of the
polymer 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 polymer to create an association
therebetween. The process is enhanced by pre-dissolving the chemical
agent in a solvent which does not solubilize the polymer to a great
extent, but which is itself soluble in the supercritical fluid. In
addition, during combining, mechanical mastication is performed to create
a free flowing powder.