Nanocomposite blends include metal oxide nanoparticles and at least two (meth)acrylic acid polymers where the nanoparticles are surface modified with a carboxylic acid silane and where the (meth)acrylic acid polymers are at least partially neutralized. The compositions are transparent, with high transmission and low haze up to very high nanoparticle loading. The compositions also exhibit improved mechanical properties of impact resistance and tensile modulus.