Complex composite particles and methods

A complex composite particle comprises a core comprised of a first material, wherein the first material is a pyrolyzed composite made of a coal dust derived from coal and a polymer precursor that forms a polymer derived ceramic material, the coal dust and the polymer precursor that forms the polymer derived ceramic, when pyrolyzed, being mixed together to form a mixture, the mixture being pyrolyzed in a substantially non-oxidizing atmosphere and transforming into a ceramic matrix composite, wherein the coal dust of the core is preheated at a temperature no greater than 400 degrees centigrade, prior to being mixed with the polymer precursor, to produce an in situ additive comprising carbon and organic compounds that vaporize and react when pyrolyzed in the presence of the polymer precursor, after being mixed with the polymer precursor, and the mixture of the in situ additive and the polymer precursor form the pyrolyzed composite during pyrolyzation.