© 2019 Elsevier Ltd This paper describes an investigation into the potential of a novel type of ceramic composite for use as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs). Materials for this application need to be highly permeable to gas flow, capable of filtering and retaining fine particulate and be stable under demanding thermo-mechanical conditions. Novel materials have been produced, via a conventional blending, cold pressing and sintering route, containing coarse alumina particles and/or fine alumina fibres. Several thermal and mechanical properties are measured, for a range of fibre contents. Thermal Shock Resistance (TSR) has been investigated both experimentally and via evaluation of a TSR merit index, based on a combination of properties. This type of material shows promise in terms of thermo-mechanical stability, particularly with high fibre content. There are also indications that such composites would be suitable for DPF usage in terms of permeability levels and the filtration of fine particulate.