The disclosure relates to composite nonwoven fibrous web including an embedded phase having a population of particulates forming a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. The disclosure also relates to methods of making a composite nonwoven fibrous web including forming an embedded phase having a population of particulates in a substantially continuous three-dimensional network, and forming a matrix phase comprising a population of fibers forming a three-dimensional network around the particulates. Articles made from a composite nonwoven fibrous web prepared according to the methods as described above are also disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, the articles may include gas filtration articles, liquid filtration articles, sound absorption articles, surface cleaning articles, cellular growth support articles, drug delivery articles, personal hygiene articles, and wound dressing articles.
