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.