Importance

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Abstract

Described herein is a method of preparing a fluoropolymer composite comprising the steps of exposing a formed fluoropolymer substrate to a flame, then activating the fluoropolymer substrate by subjecting the substrate to a charged gaseous atmosphere formed by electrically ionizing a gas which contacts the substrate and thereafter applying a layer of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer to the activated fluoropolymer substrate. The ionizing step can be described as a mixed gas plasma discharge or an electrically formed plasma. Also described herein are other methods of surface activation including exposure to excimer laser, gamma rays, x-ray flux, electron beam, sodium naphthalate bath, and others. In particular, described is a fuel pipe comprised of an inner fluorocarbon layer having electrostatic discharge resistance and hydrocarbon evaporative emission resistance chemically bonded to an outer layer of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer. There is no need for additional adhesives. Fluoropolymer layers have excellent chemical resistance.

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First Claim