Thermoplastic copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoromethyl vinyl ether and medical devices employing the copolymer

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.