Intercalates formed by co-intercalation of onium ion spacing/coupling agents and monomer, oligomer or polymer MXD6 nylon intercalants and nanocomposites prepared with the intercalates

Intercalated layered materials prepared by co-intercalation of an onium ion and MXD6 nylon between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the onium ion spacing/coupling agent. The intercalation of the MXD6 nylon polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 3 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å.