Dispersion behavior of monmorillonite (MMT) is investigated in ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/MMT nanocomposite with various vinyl acetate content. Maleic anhydride (MAH) grafted polyethylenes with various MAH contents are used as a compatibilizer to enhance the dispersion of MMT. DMA and XRD studies indicate that an intercalated/exfoliated structure is obtained and vinyl acetate content and the concentration of PEMA play a critical role in EVA/MMT nanocomposite. Higher vinyl acetate content and concentration of grafted maleic anhydride result in better dispersion of MMT. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.