This study presents preparation and characterization of ethyl cellulose based nanocomposites. Successful use of simple solvent casting technique provided nanocomposites with high loads of barium ferrite magnetic nanopowder in the polymer matrix, promising significant improvement of mechanical properties. Investigation of morphology revealed formation of agglomerates that are still on nanoscopic level. Nanocomposite thin films with a higher content of the magnetic powder showed substantial enhancement of break strength, elongation and microhardness compared to the pure ethyl cellulose, which was the primary aim of this research. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. TR34011, Grant no. III 45019 and Grant no. ON172037]