Abstract: Nanomers formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a nanoclay, with a surface treatment selected from the group consisting of a compound having an alkyl radical containing at least 6 carbon atoms, a compound containing an aromatic ring, and mixtures thereof, said surface treatment including a matrix material-reactive functional group, to sorb (intercalate) the surface treatment between adjacent nanoclay layers. Sufficient surface treatment is sorbed between the nanolayers to expand the distance between the layers to at least 10 Å, and up to a distance of 100 Å. The Nanomer can be combined with an organic liquid into 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.