A method for manufacturing a carbon composite is provided. The method includes providing a carbon-containing resin material to which an appropriate concentration of catalyst particles may be added. Thereafter, the catalyzed resin may be subject to a high temperature range, at which point carbon in the resin to begins to couple to the catalyst particles. Continual exposure to high temperature leads to additional attachment of carbon to existing carbon on the particles. Subsequently growth, within the resin material, of an array of carbon nanotubes occurs, as well as the formation of the composite material.