Abstract: The present invention provides a composite material (26) including a substrate layer (27), a porous layer (28) intermixed within the substrate material (27), and a thermoplastic layer (29) disposed upon the porous layer. The porous layer (28) is at least partially disposed within the thermoplastic layer (29). The present invention also provides a method for forming the composite material including the steps of: providing a substrate layer, providing a porous layer disposed on the substrate layer, providing a thermoplastic layer disposed on the porous layer, applying pressure and vacuum to mechanically interlock the thermoplastic layer with the porous layer; and bonding the porous layer to the substrate layer.