Processable rubber compositions comprising a vulcanized elastomer
dispersed in a matrix of a thermoplastic polymeric material. In one
embodiment the matrix forms a continuous phase and the vulcanized
elastomeric material is in the form of particles forming a non-continuous
phase. The compositions are made by combining a curative, an uncured
fluorocarbon elastomer, and a reactive oligomer, and heating the mixture
at a temperature and for a time sufficient to effect vulcanization of the
elastomeric material and polymerization of the oligomer, while mechanical
energy is applied to mix the mixture during the heating step. Shaped
articles such as seals, gaskets, O-rings, and hoses may be readily formed
from the rubber compositions according to conventional thermoplastic
processes such as blow molding, injection molding, and extrusion.