Abstract: Disclosed is a composite material and process for manufacture of a composite material that are used as bearings to reduce energy losses in rotating equipment and as shoes in clutches or breaks to provide increased frictional characteristics. The new and unique composite and manufacturing processes utilizes a polymer or polymer composite layer to hold nonwoven fibrous layers together during the composite manufacturing process. Additionally the bonding layer is formulated and the nonwoven fibers are treated to increase the speed and reliability of processing. The result of this and additional improvements provides large economies over the composite products and process currently in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite material and process for manufacture of a composite material that are used as bearings to reduce energy losses in rotating equipment and as shoes in clutches or breaks to provide increased frictional characteristics. The new and unique composite and manufacturing processes utilizes a polymer or polymer composite layer to hold nonwoven fibrous layers together during the composite manufacturing process. Additionally the bonding layer is formulated and the nonwoven fibers are treated to increase the speed and reliability of processing. The result of this and additional improvements provides large economies over the composite products and process currently in use.