In order to enhance the barrier properties of polyamide based films graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) were melt mixed with semi-aromatic and aliphatic polyamides. Due to the layered structure and high aspect ratio of GnP it was expected that paths of gas diffusion through polymer films can be elongated if the nanoplatelets are well dispersed and best exfoliated. Different grades of both matrix and GnP materials were melt mixed in a small scale DSM X-Plore microcompounder and subsequently compression moulded. Mixing time and temperature were varied in order to investigate the influence of processing conditions. Compression moulded samples were used to investigate the rheological and thermal properties as well as the permeation rate of He with very small dimensions and high mobility compared to gases like oxygen or carbon dioxide. Furthermore, morphology was investigated by means of electron microscopy to visualize the development of tortuous paths. Depending on the composition and processing conditions different thermal and rheological properties could be observed whereas the morphology seems not to be affected making it rather difficult to interpret the different permeation rates of PA-GnP-nanocomposites.