AlP composite materials comprise an AlP aggregate core, and a shell disposed partially or entirely over the core and formed from a pigment material, e.g., TiO2, having an index of refraction greater than the core, providing an overall index or refraction greater than the core and suited for use as a pigment replacement or extender. The AlP core comprises amorphous AlP, crystalline AlP, or a combination thereof, and can have an average particle size of less than about 30 microns. The TiO2 can have an average grain size less than about 10 microns. The shell can have a layer thickness that is at least about 0.0001 microns. The shell is bonded to the core by a reaction between functional groups of the shell and core. The AlP composite material can be engineered to provide properties in addition to brightness for use as a pigment such as anticorrosion and/or antimicrobial protection.