Abstract: Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining a matrix polymer and Nanomers formed by contacting a nanoclay with a water-insoluble polymer to sorb (intercalate) the polymer between adjacent nanoclay layers. Sufficient water-insoluble polymer is adsorbed between adjacent layers to expand them to a spacing of at least 10Å, and up to a distance of 100 Å, so that the Nanomer will disperse when mixed with a polymer melt to provide a nanocomposite.