Cushioning effect, enhanced localized plastic flow and thermal transport in SWCNT-lead silicate glass composite

► Single walled carbon nanotubes are embedded in lead silicate glass by melt-quench technique. ► The composite shows enhanced hardness, toughness and thermal conductivity than the glass. ► Cushioning behavior of agglomerated SWCNT bundles effectively enhanced the hardness of the composite. ► Crack bridging and accumulation of SWCNT bundles were responsible for improved fracture toughness of the composite. ► The thermal conductivity of the composite increased due to incorporation of SWCNT in glass.