Abstract: Whiskers are now playing an increasingly important role in the development of new types of composite materials with high performance.This paper presents an overview of the whiskers,Including thelr characteristics and properties,methods and technology of preparation,microstructure and growth mechanisms,strengthening and toughening effects in composites,and in particular,their practlcal applications in industry.Also included are some problems to be solved for further development and extensive use of the whisker-reinforced composite materials.