Interfacial criteria to produce ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composites and ceramic particle stabilized metallic foams are summarized in this paper. The interfacial forces and criteria are given for the following processes: introduction of ceramic particles into liquid metals, including the determination of the critical particle velocity in a gas flow, engulfment of ceramic particles by an advancing crystallization front, including the effect of the interfacial active solute element, infiltration of liquid metals into porous ceramic preforms, stabilization of gaseous bubbles by ceramic particles during production of metallic foams. The criteria given in the present paper can serve as guidelines in development of new classes of metal matrix composites and metallic foams.