Thermo-oxidative ageing of an organo-modified clay and effects on the properties of PA6 based nanocomposites

► The degradation of an organo-clay thermal treated under different atmospheres was investigated. ► The evolution of chemical composition was monitored by a combined TGA-FTIR analysis. ► The organic modifier in interlamellar spaces undergoes a rearrangement. ► PA6 based composites containing the thermal treated clay was prepared by melt mixing. ► The properties of composites worsened by increasing the treatment time of the clay.