An engine fan containment shroud including a containment structure composed of a composite material including a reinforcing fiber having an elongation to break of at least about 3.6%. The preferred fiber is a quartz fiber having an elongation to break of at least about 5%. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforcing fiber, in particular quartz fiber, has a hardness of at least about 4 on the Mohs scale, as measured on bulk material, which resists cutting by an impacting object. The composite material and specifically an epoxy/quartz fiber composite provides for weight reduction while providing fan blade containment without loss of structural integrity and with improved resistance to impact and puncture.