Methods of coating rubber with solventless crystalline polyolefin coatings

Abstract

A laminate useful for seals particularly for vehicle window seals that are flexible, wear resistant and have a low coefficient of friction, is provided. The laminate has a rubber substrate and a polyolefin coating disposed on and adherent to the rubber substrate. The invention also provides methods of making laminates, particularly seals. Such method includes the steps of providing a rubber substrate; then applying a powdered crystalline polyolefin to the rubber substrate, in an amount sufficient to form a continuous layer when melted; and then melting the powdered crystalline polyolefin to form a continuous polyolefin coating disposed on, and adherent to, the rubber substrate. The invention also relates to seals comprising: an polyolefin rubber body; and a continuous coating of fused polyolefin disposed on and adherent to the rubber seal. Preferably the continuous coating of fused polyolefin is disposed in the glass run channel in the rubber body.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.