Abstract: The present invention relates to bonding a coating of polyarylene sulphide, for example polyphenylene sulphide, to a steel backing by the use of a ceramic or other non-metallic inter-layer or bonding layer. In some cases the bonding layer comprises a layer of fine particles bonded to the backing followed by a layer of coarser particles to which the coating can be more effectively bonded. This results on a coated steel backing capable of being deformed without the coating becoming detached. Such a coated backing is suitable for use as a bearing material, a chemically resistant material or as cookware.