Dicetyl phosphate (DCP) ions incorporated into layered double hydroxide (LDH) clays to form a DCP/LDH hybrid were prepared and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential thermal analyses. DCP was concluded not only to form well-aligned bilayer structures along the vertical axis of the LDH layers but also to be arranged in a distorted hexagonal packing orientation in the lateral planes within the DCP/LDH hybrid interlayers. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.