A method of producing a composite material having a matrix and a dispersed phase, comprising: providing a mixture, comprising: (i) a liquid; (ii) a polymer precursor, wherein the polymer precursor comprises an organic acid, wherein the organic acid is lactic acid, itaconic acid or citric acid; and (iii) a dispersed-phase precursor, wherein the dispersed-phase precursor comprises an inorganic material or fibrous material; and subjecting the mixture to reaction conditions sufficient: (i) to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and (ii) to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: (a) pressure between about 10 millitorr (1.3 Pa) and about 300 torr (400 hPa); and (b) temperature: (i) greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; (ii) less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and (iii) less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor; whereby the matrix comprises the polymer, and the dispersed phase comprises the dispersed-phase precursor dispersed within the matrix. providing a mixture, comprising: (i) a liquid; (ii) a polymer precursor, wherein the polymer precursor comprises an organic acid, wherein the organic acid is lactic acid, itaconic acid or citric acid; and (iii) a dispersed-phase precursor, wherein the dispersed-phase precursor comprises an inorganic material or fibrous material; and (i) a liquid; (ii) a polymer precursor, wherein the polymer precursor comprises an organic acid, wherein the organic acid is lactic acid, itaconic acid or citric acid; and (iii) a dispersed-phase precursor, wherein the dispersed-phase precursor comprises an inorganic material or fibrous material; subjecting the mixture to reaction conditions sufficient: (i) to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and (ii) to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: (a) pressure between about 10 millitorr (1.3 Pa) and about 300 torr (400 hPa); and (b) temperature: (i) greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; (ii) less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and (iii) less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor; (i) to effect polymerization of the polymer precursor to produce a polymer and a reaction product; and (ii) to remove substantially all the liquid and reaction product from the mixture; wherein said reaction conditions comprise: (a) pressure between about 10 millitorr (1.3 Pa) and about 300 torr (400 hPa); and (b) temperature: (i) greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; (ii) less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and (iii) less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor; (a) pressure between about 10 millitorr (1.3 Pa) and about 300 torr (400 hPa); and (b) temperature: (i) greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; (ii) less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and (iii) less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor; (i) greater than or equal to the highest boiling point of the liquid and reaction product; (ii) less than the decomposition temperature of the polymer; and (iii) less than the decomposition temperature of the dispersed-phase precursor;