Abstract: Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining a host material, such as an organic solvent or a matrix polymer and exfoliated Nanomer formed by contacting a nanoclay with a polymer to sorb (intercalate) the polymer between the nanoclay layers. Sufficient polymer 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, 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 nanocomposite.