The synergistic effect of the combined thin multi-walled carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxides on photothermally actuated shape memory polyurethane composites.

•The laser-induced shape recovery behaviors of nanocarbon hybrid composites are studied.•The dispersion of nanocarbons in the hyperbranched polyurethane is excellent.•The composite properties can be controlled by composition and amount of nanocarbons.•The combined nanotube/graphene composites show the best photothermal shape recovery.