Ablation resistance and mechanical properties of polyurethane-based composites containing different amounts (up to 5 wt%) of organoclay were correlated with the morphological characterization. The crosslinking density of the polyurethane increased with the amount of organoclay. At low concentration (up to 1 wt%), the organoclay was well exfoliated, while at higher concentration, both exfoliated and intercalated platelets were found. A linear correlation was observed between the tensile test and the concentration of organoclay. Erosion velocity decreased 40% with the incorporation of 5% of organoclay. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2020. (c) 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers