A method of fabricating a PTFE seal element and rotary shaft seal assembly therewith. The method includes providing a PTFE seal element and a vacuum chamber having electrodes therein. Next, placing the PTFE seal element on one electrode and drawing a vacuum pressure in the chamber and introducing a first process gas into the chamber. Further, applying a high frequency signal to the electrodes and producing a discharge plasma and etching and chemically modifying a surface of the PTFE seal element with the discharge plasma. Then, purging the vacuum chamber with a second process gas and restoring the vacuum chamber to an atmospheric pressure. Thereafter, rinsing the seal element and applying an adhesion promoter to the etched and chemically modified surface. Lastly, attaching the etched and chemically modified surface of the PTFE seal element to the carrier by molding an elastomeric material between the seal element and the carrier.