Abstract: A nanoclay is exfoliated by admixture of the nanoclay with water and a solvent for a water-insoluble oligomer or polymer that is sorbed (intercalate) or electrostatically bonded to the inner surfaces of the nanoclay layers. Intercalation and exfoliation can be achieved via nanoclay contact with an organic solvent and water to electrostatically bond one or more polar moieties from the organic solvent to a metal cation on the nanolayer inner surfaces, so that after evaporation of the water used for intercalation, the nanolayers do not then collapse together, but remain exfoliated. After exfoliation, the Nanomers are contacted with a polymer/carrier composition that includes a water-insoluble polymer or water-insoluble oligomer, and a solvent for the water-insoluble polymer or oligomer. After exfoliating the Nanomer, the solvent is driven off, creating a nanocomposite.