An antenna apparatus includes an electrically conductive section having peripheral edges, an antenna element coupled to the electrically conductive section, which transmits or receives electromagnetic signals, and an electromagnetic absorbing carbon material component. The carbon material component is generally disposed adjacent to the electrically conductive section, and includes a border region extending beyond the peripheral edges of the electrically conductive section. The carbon material component can be constructed of a carbon fiber fabric in which the carbon fibers are arranged to increase the effective signal to noise ratio of the antenna apparatus and enhance antenna performance without increasing the baseline power consumption level. The carbon fibers can be coated with silicone to insulate them externally while enhancing their lengthwise conductivity.

Consolidated carbon nanotube or graphene yarns and woven sheets are consolidated through the formation of a carbon hinder formed from the dehydration of sucrose. The resulting materials, on a macro-scale are lightweight and of a high specific modulus and/or strength. Sucrose is relatively inexpensive and readily available, and the process is therefore cost-effective.

Flexible electronically functional fabrics are described that allow for the placement of electronic functionality in flexible substrates such as traditional fabrics. The fabrics can be made using flexible electronically functional fibers or a combination of electronically functional fibers and textile fibers. Electronic devices can be incorporated into the fabric to give it full computing capabilities.

Consolidated carbon nanotube or graphene yarns and woven sheets are consolidated through the formation of a carbon hinder formed from the dehydration of sucrose. The resulting materials, on a macro-scale are lightweight and of a high specific modulus and/or strength. Sucrose is relatively inexpensive and readily available, and the process is therefore cost-effective.

Consolidated carbon nanotube or graphene yarns and woven sheets are consolidated through the formation of a carbon binder formed from the dehydration of sucrose. The resulting materials, on a macro-scale are lightweight and of a high specific modulus and/or strength. Sucrose is relatively inexpensive and readily available, and the process is therefore cost-effective.