The invention relates to a composition suitable for the preparation of a carbon-containing material including: (i) a binder phase containing organic resin component or polymer composite; (ii) mesophase carbon; and (iii) optionally filler particles. The invention further relates to a method for preparing a carbon-containing material including the steps of: (a) mixing a binder phase containing an organic resin component or polymer composite with mesophase carbon and optionally filler particles; (b) curing the mixture; and (c) heating the cured mixture. The invention also provides an article which is wholly or partly manufactured from the carbon-containing material defined above.