Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining a host material, such as an organic solvent or a matrix polymer and exfoliated intercalates formed by contacting a phyllosilicate with an intercalant selected from the group consisting of (1) an N-alkenyl amide monomer and an allylic monomer; (2) an oligomer formed by copolymerizing an N-alkenyl amide monomer and an allylic monomer; (3) a polymer formed by copolymerizing an N-alkenyl amide monomer and an allylic monomer; and (4) mixtures thereof to adsorb or the intercalant between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets. Sufficient polymer is adsorbed between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to increase the spacing at least about 10 .ANG., preferably at least about 20 .ANG. (as measured after water removal), up to about 100 .ANG. and preferably in the range of about 30-40 .ANG., so that the intercalate easily can be exfoliated, e.g., when mixed with an organic solvent or a polymer melt, to provide a carrier material for drugs and the like, or to provide a matrix polymer/platelet composite (nanocomposite) material--the platelets being exfoliated from the intercalate.