Abstract: Intercalates formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a phyllosilicate, with an intercalant surface modifier selected from the group consisting of a compound having an alkyl radical containing at least 6 carbon atoms, a compound containing an aromatic ring, and mixtures thereof, said surface modifier including a matrix material-reactive functional group, to sorb or intercalate the intercalant surface modifier between adjacent platelets of the layered material. Sufficient intercalant surface modifier is sorbed between adjacent platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to at least about 10 .ANG., up to about 100 .ANG.. The intercalated complex can be combined with an organic liquid into a viscous carrier material, for delivery of the carrier material, or for delivery of an active compound; or the intercalated complex can be combined with a matrix polymer to form a strong, filled polymer matrix.