Polymer composites based on organically modified clay (organoclay) and polyethylene (PE) were prepared by melt processing to study their combustion behaviour. Formation of intercalated nanocomposites was observed only in presence of poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate), added as a compatibilizer. The nanocomposite showed a reduced rate of combustion due to the accumulation of the silicate on the surface of the burning specimen which create a protective barrier to heat and mass transfer. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.