Abstract: A method of manufacturing a contact body for at least one flowing medium is disclosed wherein layers of asbestos fibers are formed and arranged so that the layers bear against one another at mutually spaced positions to provide channels in the body extending from one end thereof to the other to allow the flowing medium to pass therethrough. The layers of the contact body are first treated by supplying to the layers at least one inorganic substance which produces a .[.hydrated.]. precipitate on the asbestos fibers of the layers. Thereafter the layers are heated to a temperature which is at least within a temperature range at which the .[.hydrated precipitate releases its.]. .Iadd.asbestos fibers release their .Iaddend.water of crystallization, but which temperature is below the sintering temperature for the substances remaining in the body.