To investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties of neoprene-montmorillonite nanocomposite, three modified montmorillonite are used. An X-ray diffractometer is used to measure the corresponding change in d-spacing. Scanning electron microscopy is employed to investigate the morphology of the various composites. Transmission electron microscopy is employed to investigate the composite of montmorillonite and neoprene. The results indicate that the addition of montmorillonite enhances the mechanical properties of neoprene significantly. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.