Organic rectorite (OREC) was applied to bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCy) resin to develop a novel BADCy/OREC system. The influence of OREC on the reactivity of BADCy was discussed. The morphologies of cured BADCy/OREC systems were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The static and dynamic mechanical properties as well as the hot water resistance of cured BADCy/OREC systems were evaluated. Results indicate that the addition of OREC can catalyze the reaction of BDACy resin. The intercalated structure and exfoliated structure of silicate platelets may be formed in the cured BADCy/OREC composites. The suitable amount of OREC canimprove the flexural strength, the impact resistance and the hot water resistance of cured BADCy. OREC can maintain the glass transition temperature (Tg) and have slight influence on the dielectric property of cured BADCy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. (C) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers