The effect of enhancing the hydrophobicity of OMMT on the characteristics of PMMA/OMMT nanocomposites

► PMMA/OMMT nanocomposites were fabricated using a solution intercalation method. ► The silicate platelets were largely well dispersed independent of the hydrophobicity. ► The partially exfoliation of the silicate layers were observed. ► The flexural modulus of the nanocomposites increased favorably. ► The strain at breakage of the nanocomposites remained suitable for our use.