well as the frictional and release characteristics of the fluoropolymer components application_number US 87461286 A description the initial layer described as element a above is applied to facilitate adhesion of the matrix to the substrate while minimally contributing to the stiffness of the final composite layer a may comprise one or more components so long as the resulting intermediate remains flexible and bondable to element b in some embodiments openings may remain in the substrate to enhance flexibility after application of the overcoat layer or layers fluoroploymers suitable for the initial layer are characterized by relatively low modulus and are preferably fluoroplastics such as ptfe or fluoroelastomers such as viton or kalrez dupont aflas asahi kel f 3m or any blend thereof the initial coating is then covered with a layer or layers of a blend of a hard polymer and a fluoropolymer such as fluoroplastic fluoroelastomer or any blend or combination thereof preferably this portion of the matrix includes a layer or layers of a blend containing the hard polymer and the fluoropolymer in such proportions so as to impart any desired balance of known fluoropolymer properties and hard polymer characteristics particularly wear resistance to the composite where the element b layer is to be applied as a.