Glass is widely used in combination with other materials to form composites with novel, optimised properties. In particular, glass and related glass-ceramic materials are being considered increasingly to fabricate advanced composites for structural applications at intermediate and elevated temperatures (up to 1200 deg C). By reinforcing the low-modulus, high-strength and/or high-ductility second constituent in the form of whiskers, platelets, particulates or short fibres, dispersion reinforced glass matrix composites with improved mechanical properties are fabricated. This review covers earlier and current international research on the fabrication, microstructure, properties and applications of dispersion reinforced glass matrix composites. Powder technology and hot-pressing are the standard processing techniques employed to fabricate these composites.
