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Abstract

A laminate material of a laminate 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 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 in each other only in an amount smaller than the amount present, possibly partially in crystal-like form, is transformed into another structure in respect of the dispersion alloy or the mixture at the exposed surface of the functional layer by means of a surface treatment, more specifically by melting and very rapid cooling from the molten condition, so that fine distribution of the undissolved components occurs and the material of said surface region is frozen in said refined structure. The surface region may be of a thickness of between 20 .mu. m and 500 .mu.m, preferably between 50 .mu.m and 100 .mu.m. The structural transformation is produced by means of plasma flame in a closely delimited area on which the flame acts and which is progressively moved over the surface to be treated. The plasma flame or a plurality of juxtaposed plasma flames form a small molten bath which, as the plasma flame moves along relative to the laminate material or laminate workpiece, is immediately and very quickly cooled and solidified and thus frozen with a refined structure.

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First Claim