Tronoh silica sand was ground to nanoparticles using a ball mill and it was observed that the milling process increased the percentage purity of silica in silica sand. The size of the nanoparticles of silica sand was verified by using a ZetaSizer nanoparticles analyzer and FESEM analysis. The silica sand nanoparticles were used to develop and study the characterization and properties of metal, ceramic and polymer based composites. The powder metallurgy and powder processing techniques were used to develop MMC and CMC composites. Compression moulding was used to develop polymer matrix (HDPE) composites. An increased hardness in the case of MMC and CMC was observed. The tensile strength and flexural strength exhibited an increasing trend in the case of PMC with up to 15wt. of silica sand nanoparticles. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.