Disclosed herein is a composite tow comprising a plurality of ceramic filaments; one or more sacrificial yarn filaments; where the sacrificial yarn filaments are operative to undergo decomposition or melting upon being subjected to an elevated temperature; and wherein the sacrificial yarn filaments leave open spaces in the tow upon being subjected to decomposition, dissolution or melting; where the filaments have an average filament diameter of 5 to 15 micrometers.