The mean-field, lattice-based model of polymer melt intercalation in organically-modified layered silicates (OLS) originally developed by Vaia and Giannelis was applied for different polymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polypropylene (PP), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The nature of each polymer controls significantly the intercalation of the system. The internal energy change caused by the interaction of polymer, surfactant and clay is the strongest factor in determining the equilibrium structure of the nanocomposite system. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.