AbstractHalloysites (HNTs) core‐polypyrrole(PPy) shell composite particles were fabricated by in situ oxidative polymerization of the pyrrole monomer absorbed HNTs nanotubes, obtained by the dispersion of HNTs in acid aqueous solution of pyrrole with ultrasonic irradiation and magnetic stirring, by using ammonium persulfate as oxidant. Further more, the PPy nanotubes were obtained after the removal of HNTs template by hydrochloric acid/hydrofluoric acid mixture. Both the nanocomposite particles and the PPy nanotubes were characterized by FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The SEM and the TEM images showed that the PPy is covered over the HNT surface forming the HNT@PPy hybrids, and all of the nanotubes have a uniformly inner diameter of 40 nm. The outer diameter and the tubular thickness were determined by the weight ratio of (HNTs template)/(pyrrole monomer). When the amount of pyrrole added is <0.75 mL, no tubular PPy formed any more. The electrical conductivities of the HNT@PPy composite particles and the PPy nanotubes/particles were also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012