Not seen that type of wheel before Lou. Looks like an abrasive flap disc but with something like scotch brite type material.
I used to think that 3M scotch brite material was just non woven nylon fibre with the sharp fibre itself providing the cleaning/abrasive action. They are actually coated with fine abrasive particles held in a resin binder. Thats why they are stiff and work well when new.