SiO2 fibre reinforced SiO2 matrix composites were prepared by vacuum hot-pressing at different temperatures holding time,and their microstructure and mechanical properties were then investigated.It was concluded that flexural strength and fracture toughness of the composites were greatly improved compared with that fused SiO2 but tended to decrease with increasing holding time and sintering temperature.This could be principally attributed to the impairation of SiO2 fibres due to their crystallization.