Abstract: Nanomers formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a nanoclay, with a surface treatment selected from the group consisting of 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 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 the Nanomer can be combined with a matrix polymer to form a nanocomposite.