Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a friction element designed for frictional contact with a body and for use, in particular, in brakes or clutches. In the method, a porous carbon block, which approximately matches the shape of the end of the abrasion unit, is produced, liquid silicon is infiltrated into the pores of the carbon block, and the block is ceramized by initiating a chemical reaction to form silicon carbide. In order to further fashion a friction element of this kind to increase its resistance to thermal stresses and so that it is also easy to manufacture, the porous carbon block is shaped, before the silicon is infiltrated into it, in such a way that cavities and/or recesses are formed in certain internal and/or external zones for cooling and/or reinforcement purposes, the cavities and/or recesses retaining essentially the same shape and size after ceramization.