Abstract: Rigidized composite preforms are fabricated by first serving individual reinforcement strands with a thread of a thermoplastic material. After shaping the reinforcement strands into a desired geometry, the shaped strands are heated to melt the thermoplastic threads. By then cooling the shaped reinforcement strands, the thermoplastic material solidifies and acts as an adhesive or glue in holding the preform together in a rigid fashion. Such rigid preforms are particularly suitable for handling, storage and transportation to other locations and media prior to densification. Densification may be performed by conventional techniques to produce the final composite article. Pyrolysis of the matrices and subsequent densification of the matrix may be accomplished.