Dodecylammonium ions (DDA(+)) were successfully intercalated in a synthetic nonexpandable potassium fluoromica (SNEFM) by replacing K+ ions slowly in an aqueous solution of high DDA(+) concentrations at 70 degrees C. The resulting intercalated Compound showed exfoliation in the polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix to form polymer nanocomposites. The materials had silicate nanolayers with aspect ratio as high as several dozen to hundreds times greater than that of conventional exfoliated clay-polymer nanocomposites.