Method of producing fiber reinforced glass matrix composite articles of complex shape

A method of making fiber reinforced glass composite articles of complex shape is disclosed which overcomes problems associated with the debulking process common with such procedures. Sheets of woven or non-woven fiber reinforcement are impregnated with a layer of thermoplastic binder containing glass powder and optionally, additional carrier liquid. The thus treated sheets are then dried and cut into a plurality of preforms corresponding to the predetermined pattern of the article being fabricated. The thus treated preforms are then stacked in a mold and warm molded to form an intermediate article of near net shape, during which molding operation much of the ultimate debulking occurs. The intermediate article is then hot pressed to form the final fiber reinforced glass matrix article of net shape and high strength and toughness. These multiple heating steps may also be accomplished in a single molding operation.