The present invention provides a method to form a nanocomposite including blending a high molecular weight elastomer, a low molecular weight elastomer, and a clay to form a nanocomposite; wherein the high molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 250000; wherein the low molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight less than 150000. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method to form a nanocomposite including the steps of blending a low molecular weight elastomer and a clay to form a first mixture; blending a high molecular weight elastomer and the first mixture to form the nanocomposite; wherein the low molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight less than 150000; and, wherein the high molecular weight elastomer has a weight average molecular weight greater than 250000.