A hybrid polyethylene-clay nanocomposite was prepared using in situ polymerization with bifunctional organic modifiers. Morphological characterization of the product shows that a fraction of the polyethylene chains is chemically linked to the silicate surface. The chemical modification and intercalation of montmorillonite was carried out with alkylaluminum and vinylalcohol. The vinyl groups chemically linked to the silicate surface were copolymerized with ethylene inside the clay galleries using a coordination catalyst. The polymerization leads not only to effective exfoliation of the layered silicate but also to polyethylene chains that are chemically bonded to silicate surface. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.