Abstract: Nanomers formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a nanoclay, with a surface treatment monomer carbonyl-functional compound and/or a carboxylic acid-functional compound to sorb (intercalate) monomer between adjacent nanolayers. Sufficient surface treatment monomer is adsorbed between adjacent nanolayers to expand them to a spacing of at least 5 Å and up to a distance of 100 Å, so that the Nanomer can be exfoliated. Nanomers can be combined with an organic liquid to form a viscous carrier material for delivery of the carrier, or for delivery of an active compound; or the Nanomer can be combined with a matrix polymer to form a nanocomposite. Alternatively, it can be exfoliated prior to combination with the organic liquid or the matrix polymer.