High thermal expansion glass composites and uses thereof

A method comprising:

• providing a glass matrix in a powder form, wherein the matrix comprises of from about 65 wt. % to about 80 wt. % of SiO2;
• from about 8 wt. % to about 16 wt. % of Li2O;
• from about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % of Al2O3;
• from about 1 wt. % to about 8 wt. % of K2O;
• from about 1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of P2O5;
• from about 0.5 wt. % to about 7 wt. % of B2O3;
• and from about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of ZnO;
• adding a particle filler in an amount of from about 10 wt. % to about 60 wt. % to the mixture, thereby forming a mixture;
• and
• thermally treating the mixture to form a filled glass composite.