Abstract: Nanomers formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a nanoclay, with an surface treatment monomer including an alkyl radical having at least 10 carbon atoms and having a dipole moment greater than the dipole moment of water, to sorb (intercalate) the monomer between adjacent nanolayers. Sufficient 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 it can be combined with a matrix polymer to form a nanocomposite.