Disclosed herein is a high temperature insulating composite comprising a gel processed
polymer matrix, insulating particles, and other components. In some embodiments, the high temperature insulating composites comprise less than 35% by weight of a gel processed
polymer matrix, more than 40% by weight of insulating particles, and less than 35% by weight of other materials. The other materials include, but are not limited to, opacifying agents, antioxidants, reinforcing fibers, and combinations thereof. Further, the thermally insulating
composite material has at least one of the following properties: an average
maximum temperature of less than about 250 DEG C, a z-direction strength of at least about 25 N, a
compressibility at 1 MPa of less than about 35%. The high-temperature insulating
composite material can be formed into a thin and robust shape, thereby facilitating the preparation of a molding material suitable for target applications. The thermally insulating
composite material can function as a protective heat propagation barrier when exposed to temperatures above 300 DEG C.