Nanocomposites of gamma phase polymers containing inorganic particulate material

A composite material comprising a polymer matrix comprising a gamma phase polyamide, wherein at least about 10 weight percent of said polyamide based on the total weight of said polyamide is in the gamma phase, having dispersed therein from greater than zero to less than 0.05% by wgt. of the matrix of an inorganic particulate material selected from the group consisting of layered materials having a thickness equal to or less than about 200 .ANG. and fibrillar silicates having a diameter equal to or less than about 100 .ANG. wherein distances between layers of said layered materials or between fibrils of said fibrillar silicates are at least about 15 .ANG..