UV-curable nanocomposites based on donor-acceptor crosslinking chemistry were prepared containing organically modified montmorillonites. The coatings were characterized for thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed that nanocomposites were formed in all samples. Results showed that an increase in the percentage of clay caused an increased modulus and glass-transition temperature. It was also seen that tensile modulus showed dramatic improvement when compared with the unmodified polyester sample. Real time IR kinetic data showed that higher conversions were obtained at higher clay loadings. Pendulum hardness values and tensile modulus values showed different trends in properties depending on the combination of polymer matrix and organomodification. (C) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.