phenolic refers to the chemical structure. A ring structure with side chains (like carbon fibre) is refered to as phenolic. Its exactly this ring structure that gives it a huge tensile strength and low weight.
however, on its own, carbon fibre isnt hard, its the resin that does all of that.
you can even increase the shock absorption of carbon fibre (which is normally very low) by interweaving it with something like kevlar. this stops the material shattering.
Ebanol, from what i understand, can be used as a material for guitars (i think universal jems sells ebanol nuts).
it can also be used as a detergent.
rumour is it smells nice