fluoropolymer containing coatings are applied to substrates , preferably textile substrates , to obtain composites which are flexible and not brittle , and which exhibit a low coefficient of friction , good wear resistance and excellent release properties . this invention comprises the technique of initially coating a flexible substrate , such as glass fabric or a metal mesh , with a fluoropolymer , which serves to prevent cracking upon flexing . the precoated substrate is thereafter coated with a blend of a hard polymer and a fluoropolymer which adheres well to the pre - coated intermediate substrate . significantly , the composites of the invention are flexible , yet possess the wear resistance of the hard polymer component as well as the frictional and release characteristics of the fluoropolymer components .