(57) e A unique partially carbonized or substantially completely carbonized, resilient, fiber, yarn or fiber tow having a spring-like structural configuration and a reversible deflection of greater than 1.2:1 is prepared from a carbonaceous precurser materials which is stabilized and then heat treated to a temperature sufficient to impart a spring-like structural configuration to the fiber. Such fibers, yarn or fiber tow is optionally knitted or woven into a cloth which can then be deknitted and carded, garnetted or otherwise defibrilated to produce a resilient web-like fluff or wool-like material having the spring-like structural configuration. Electrical conductivity and a fused benzoidal structural configuration to the surface of the fiber, can optionally be obtained by carbonization of the fibers at a temperature of up to 3000°C at any stage after the spring-like structural configuration is set in the fiber.