Abstract: Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining a host material, such as an organic solvent or a matrix polymer, and Nanomer formed by contacting a nanoclay with a surface treatment selected from the group consisting of (1) an N-alkenyl amide monomer and an allylic monomer; (2) an oligomer formed by copolymerizing an N-alkenyl amide monomer and an allylic monomer; (3) a polymer formed by copolymerizing an N-alkenyl amide monomer and an allylic monomer; and (4) mixtures thereof to adsorb (intercalate) between adjacent nanoclay layers. Sufficient polymer is adsorbed to expand the nanolayers to a spacing at least 10 Å, and up to a distance of 100 Å, so that the Nanomer easily can be exfoliated, e.g., when mixed with an organic solvent or a polymer melt, to provide a carrier material for drugs and the like, or to provide a polymer nanocomposite.