Y. Liang *, †, Y. Lu †, Z.C. Xu, Y.Z. Huang *, L.B. Kong, Y.P. Xie, G.W. Xu * and Z.-S. Wu

Advanced Composite and Hybrid Materials, 2025, accepted.

Muscovite, as a type of phyllosilicate, is difficult to modify and exfoliate directly like other layered materials, such as montmorillonite, due to its own structural characteristics. However, the unique properties of muscovite—such as its high aspect ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, ultraviolet shielding, and substantial ion adsorption capacity—attract researchers from all over the world to explore on its modification, intercalation and exfoliation, leading to the development of muscovite-based nanocomposites for various applications. This review offers a detailed summary of recent developments in the modification, intercalation, and exfoliation of muscovite. It also explores the diverse applications for muscovite-related nanocomposites, including in pearlescent pigments, environmental remediation, friction reduction, and muscovite/polymer nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. Finally, we offer further perspectives and key research focus on this field, emphasizing the need for advancements in the scalable production of muscovite-based nanocomposites. In particular, we highlight the significance of developing simple, environmentally friendly methods for the controllable and tunable functionalization of muscovite.