A novel flame retardant, silicone elastomeric nanoparticle (S-ENP) with T-g of -120 degrees C and particle size of similar to 100 nm has been developed and used as a modifier for polyamide 6 (nylon-6). It has been found that S-ENP can not only increase the toughness and improve the flame retardancy of nylon-6 but also helps unmodified clay exfoliate in nylon-6 matrix. It has been also found that the S-ENP and exfoliated clay platelet in nylon-6 have a synergistic flame retardant effect on nylon-6. A novel flame retardant nanocomposite of nylon-6/unmodified clay/S-ENP with high toughness, high heat resistance, high stiffness and good flowability has been prepared and a mechanism of synergistic flame retardancy has also been proposed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.