Facile preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites with pristine layered double hydroxides

► Water-dispersible Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) was synthesized. ► This LDH is used as reinforcing nanofiller for poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix. ► Finely dispersed LDH greatly improves mechanical and thermal properties of PVA. ► The transparency of the nanocomposite films is maintained compared with neat PVA.