A new type of hybrid material of clay with poly (butyl acrylate) (PBA) has been prepared successfully using intercalation-polymerization process. The structure of the composite was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Thermagravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that the hybrid material prepared has a decomposition central temperature of 485.6 degrees C, 83 degrees C higher than that of pure PEA (402.0 degrees C). (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.