A novel poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposite with layered double hydroxide was successfully prepared via a melt-cornpounding process in which the positively charged platelets were dramatically exfoliated and homogeneously dispersed. Because of the absorption of the released hydrochloric vapor by both layered double hydroxide platelets and an organomodifier (stea- rate anions), the added amount of the conventional toxic heavy-metal heat stabilizer could be reduced. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.