Abstract: A laminated article of hollow, circular shape includes an outer layer of relatively hard and strong carbonaceous material, an intermediate layer of highly deformable carbonaceous material disposed within the outer layer, and an inner layer of pyrolytic graphite deposited on the inner surface of the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer undergoes substantial compresssion with some permanent compaction thereof as the article cools following deposition of the pyrolytic graphite, due to the much greater shrinkage of the outer layer as compared with the layer of pyrolytic graphite. At the same time the intermediate layer has a desired amount of elasticity so as to exert nominal compressive stress on the layer of pyrolytic graphite. The intermediate layer may be comprised of porous carbon, and may have a surface thereof made very smooth in preparation for receipt of the pyrolytic graphite by infiltration, seal coating or other techniques.