Interpenetrating network (IPN) composites containing Al203 and Al phases constitute a novel class of materials that exhibit connectivity of both the phases in all directions and as a result, possess interesting properties which can be designed to suit specific applications. Reaction-induced methods of fabrication of such materials are considered economical and provide opportunity for optimising phase contents. Four different methods of synthesising Al203/Al-IPNs using exothermic reactions are reviewed. The important aspects of thermodynamics of exothermic systems, wetting phenomenon in solid-liquid contacts and control of porosity in solid-gas reaction are discussed. Some data on properties are collected from available literature and on the basis of these values, a few applications are indicated.
