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Polystyrene (PS) properties are usually tuned with the addition of elastomers and fillers to broaden the application range. However, toughening and increased tensile strength are difficult to achieve simultaneously, requiring a well-controlled particle size and distribution, as well as a good degree of intercalation and exfoliation. Therefore, the effect of the addition of a PS oligomer (PSo) to the polystyrene nanocomposite toughened with grafted Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene by maleic anhydride (SEBS- g-MA) was studied. Changes were observed in the diffractogram patterns of the nanocomposites, and a better distribution with lower alignment of the layered silicates by TEM microscopy at the presence of PSo. The storage modulus (at 25 °C) of the toughened nanocomposite increased approximately 12% when the oligomer was added. This result shows great potential to overcome the strong reduction (42%) when an elastomer is used in a PS blend. Also, increase in thermal degradation (35 °C) and impact strength (166%) were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]