Abstract: Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining an EVOH matrix polymer and exfoliated Nanomer formed by contacting a nanoclay with a non-EVOH surface treatment to adsorb (intercalate) it between adjacent nanoclay layers. Sufficient surface treatment is adsorbed to expand the adjacent nanolayers to a spacing of at least 5 Å, and up to a distance of 100 Å, so that the Nanomer can be exfoliated without degrading the EVOH matrix polymer.