Hybrids of intercalative nitrile-butadiene rubber/organomodified bentonite (NBR/OMB) were prepared by the latex intercalation technique. Investigation of their mechanical properties and the microstructure of NBR/OMB showed that the organomodified bentonite is an effective toughener for NBR. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests showed that the NBR macromolecule could be intercalated into the galleries of bentonite.Incorporation of NBR/OMB hybrids as tougheners into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) results in a substantial increase in the impact strength of PVC, but little decrease in its tensile strength and flexural strength, compared to the unmodified PVC.