A method for producing a nanocomposite polymer that includes the step of adding an olefin to a metallocene polymerization catalyst treated dispersion of an acid treated cation exchanging layered silicate material in a solvent so that the olefin polymerizes to form the nanocomposite polymer. An exfoliated acid treated cation exchanging layered silicate material dispersed in a polymer matrix, wherein more than about fifty percent of the acid treated cation exchanging layered silicate material is found by electron microscopy to have five or fewer layers. A metallocene polymerization catalyst treated, acid treated cation exchanging layered silicate material.
Takase, Nippon Kagaku Zasshi, 1958, vol. 79, p. 1500,1502