Abstract: Nanomers are formed by contacting a nanoclay with a surface treatment monomer having a hydroxyl and/or an aromatic ring functionality to sorb (intercalate) the monomer between adjacent nanoclay layers. Sufficient monomer is sorbed between adjacent layers to expand them to a spacing of at least 5Å, and up to a distance of 100 Å, so that the Nanomer disperses to form a nanocomposite. The Nanomer can be combined with an organic liquid to produce 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.