Efficient dispersion of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) in syntactic foams enhances engineering properties of the composites. CNMs were grown over hollow glass microspheres (HGM) at different temperatures (500 °C-700 °C). SEM images show a uniform growth of CNMs over the periphery of HGM. Graphitization of CNM is obtained through Raman spectroscopy and TEM images indicate that CNM structure has higher graphitization at higher temperatures. Composite foam were fabricated using CNM coated HGM as reinforcement in epoxy and their compressive strengths were examined with respect to CNM growing temperatures. © 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd.