A simplified processing technique of polymer-cement intercalation/exfoliation (PCIE) nanohybrid is investigated. By using a silicate precursor, through a "one-pot" procedure, polyamide 6 based interphase reinforced by exfoliated silicate nanolayers and intercalated nanolayer stacks is produced. The nanointerphase acts as the binder, leading to the high tensile strength. The optimum nanointerphase content is larger than 15%. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.