Coated media bearing surface for conveying abrasive media and the like

Apparatus for conveying abrasive media of indeterminate length, comprising:

• a frame;
• first and second rollers mounted for synchronous rotation in said frame, said first and second rollers being closely spaced to form a nip therebetween, wherein at least one of said first and second rollers has a media bearing surface comprising a semi-compliant composite coating containing metal carbides, selected from the group consisting of:
• silicon carbide;
• and, titanium carbide, in a polymeric binder, and an inner layer comprising a polymeric/inorganic particulate composite substrate bonded to said media bearing surface;
• and,
• drive means operably connected to any one of said first and second rollers for rotating said any one of said first and second rollers and for causing the other of said first and second rollers to synchronously rotate therewith, whereby abrasive media of indeterminate length when disposed in said nip is squeezed for movement between said first and second rollcrs and in contact with said media bearing surface while being conveyed at least partially through said nip.