PurposeThe purpose of this paper is concerned with the study of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in a magneto-flexo-thermo (MFT) elastic armchair single-walled carbon nanotube (ASWCNT) resting on polymer matrix.Design/methodology/approachA mathematical model is developed for the analytical study of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in a MFT elastic armchair single walled carbon nanotube rested on polymer matrix using Euler beam theory. The analytical formulation is developed based on Eringen’s nonlocal elasticity theory to account small scale effect. After developing the formal solution of the mathematical model consisting of partial differential equations, the frequency equations have been analysed numerically by using the nonlinear foundations supported by Winkler-Pasternak model. The solution is obtained by ultrasonic wave dispersion relations.FindingsFrom the literature survey, it is evident that the analytical formulation of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in an MFT elastic ASWCNT embedded on polymer matrix is not discussed by any researchers. So, in this paper the analytical solutions of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in an MFT elastic ASWCNT embedded on polymer matrix are studied. Parametric studies is carried out to scrutinize the influence of the nonlocal scaling, magneto-electro-mechanical loadings, foundation parameters, various boundary condition and length on the dimensionless frequency of nanotube. It is noticed that the boundary conditions, nonlocal parameter and tube geometrical parameters have significant effects on dimensionless frequency of nanotubes.Originality/valueThis paper contributes the analytical model to find the solution of nonlinear ultrasonic waves in an MFT elastic ASWCNT embedded on polymer matrix. It is observed that the increase in the foundation constants raises the stiffness of the medium and the structure is able to attain higher frequency once the edge condition is C-C followed by S-S. Further, it is noticed that the natural frequency is arrived below 1% in both local and nonlocal boundary conditions in the presence of temperature coefficients. Also, it is found that the density and Poisson ratio variation affects the natural frequency with below 2%. The results presented in this study can provide mechanism for the study and design of the nano devices such as component of nano oscillators, micro wave absorbing, nano-electron technology and nano-electro--magneto-mechanical systems that make use of the wave propagation properties of ASWCNTs embedded on polymer matrix.