Sliding or frictional laminate having functional layer in the form of a solid dispersion

Abstract

A laminate material or workpiece with a backing layer and a functional layer, in particular a friction bearing layer, with the structure of a solid but fusible dispersion with a matrix and at least one component which is dispersed in the matrix and which at least in the solid condition is insoluble in the material of the matrix or is soluble only in an amount which is smaller than the amount present, or with the structure of a substantially fusible mixture which is fixedly combined in itself and which can be used for tribological purposes, of components which are not soluble in each other or which are soluble only in an amount which is smaller than the amount present, possibly partially in crystal-like form, is transformed at the exposed surface of the functional layer into another structure in respect of the dispersion alloy or the mixture by melting and extremely rapid cooling from the molten condition, so that fine globular distribution of the undissolved components occurs and the material of the surface region is frozen in a quasi amorphous condition. That surface region may be from 20 to 500 .mu.m in thickness. The structural transformation is effected by means of a laser beam.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.