Hybrid <scp>MWCNT</scp> / <scp>HNT</scp> Nanofillers for Improved Mechanical, Thermal, and Shape Memory Performance of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites

ABSTRACT Shape memory thermoplastic polyurethane (SMTP) is used in various applications as it can revert to its original shape upon heating. However, SMTP generally exhibits limited mechanical strength, slow shape recovery, and low thermal diffusivity. In this study, non‐functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as hybrid reinforcements in the SMTP matrix at a total loading of 1 weight percentage (wt.%), obtained through injection molding. The hybrid composite samples were subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal diffusivity measurements, shape recovery assessments, and mechanical performance evaluations (tensile, flexural, impact). The hybrid composites showed enhanced properties compared to pure SMTP. In hybrid reinforced composites, MWCNTs improved stiffness, tensile strength, thermal diffusivity, and shape recovery performance. On the other hand, HNTs improved toughness, retained ductility, and increased flexural strength. The combined advantages of both reinforcements are achieved through these hybrid composites. These results indicate that hybrid composites incorporating non‐functionalized MWCNTs and HNTs can facilitate the efficient and effective fabrication of high‐performance shape‐memory composites for smart actuation applications, biomedical devices, or deployable infrastructure.