Composite, high temperature, dynamic seal and method of making same

An interference-type rotary seal adapted for use in a high temperature environment between a first member and a second member allowed to move relative to the first member, the rotary seal comprising a seal body of generally ring-shaped configuration, said seal body comprising:

• a first layer formed of a tetrafluoroethylene and propylene copolymer elastomer, said first layer defining at least a portion of a dynamic sealing surface;
• and
• a second layer formed of a fluorocarbon rubber elastomer, said second layer defining at least a portion of a static sealing surface,
• wherein said first and second layers are chemically cross-linked to each other.

A method of making a high temperature, dynamic seal comprising the steps of:

• positioning a first perform of an unvulcanized tetrafluoroethylene and propylene copolymer elastomer in a compression mold;
• positioning a second preform of an unvulcanized fluorocarbon rubber elastomer in the compression mold;
• actuating the mold to manipulate the first and second preforms into desired first and second shaped layers;
• and
• vulcanizing the tetrafluoroethylene and propylene copolymer elastomer and the fluorocarbon rubber elastomer and cross-linking the tetrafluoroethylene and propylene copolymer elastomer to the fluorocarbon rubber elastomer.