Abstract: | Poly(α‐naphthylamine) (PNA)—natural clay nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization method through oxidative initiation method. Effect of nanoclay on the rate of polymerization (Rp) of Naphthylamine (NA), thermal stability of PNA, and conductivity of PNA were tested. Effect of nanoclay on the morphology of PNA was also tested. The TGA results inferred that the % weight residue remain above 700°C was increased with the increase of amount of clay. XRD results confirmed the intercalation of PNA into the basal spacing of natural clay. TEM showed the presence of nanosized particle in the PNA‐natural clay nanocomposites. The conductivity value of polymer‐nanocomposite has increased with the increase of amount of natural clay. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers |