Carbon nanotubes were unzipped to become reduced-graphene nanoribbons via one-step solvothermal process in a Teflon-lined autoclave. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetric analysis and transmission electrical microscopy, respectively. Results showed that the solvothermal reaction temperature played an important role in the structure of the samples. When it was 75 °C, carbon nanotubes were completely cutted into graphene oxide nanoribbons. Moreover, when it was 155 °C, they were become reduced-graphene nanoribbons. Furthermore, the as-prepared reduced-graphene nanoribbons could improve mechanical strength of the phenolic resin/hollow glass beads foamed composites. When the reduced-graphene nanoribbons loading was 0.4 wt%, the tensile and compressive strength of the composites were increased by 19.7% and 21.3%, respectively.