Polymers and Nanosized Particles: A Happy Marriage?

Interest in "nanotechnology" has triggered the question whether new materials can be obtained blending nanosized particles with polymers. This contribution considers modification of polymer properties by nanoscale particles, stabilization of polymer properties by nanoscale particles, stabilization of nanoscale particles against Ostwald-ripening and agglomeration, synthesis of nanoscale particles assisted by polymers and effects of such particles on polymerization mechanisms.