ZnS nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by the facile chemical route with a narrow size distribution in the MA/octene-1 copolymer matrix and effect of reaction time has been discussed. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the pure cubic phase of ZnS with 5-7 nm average crystal sizes which are in good agreement with the AFM and UV-vis measurements. Absorption spectra exhibit a strong blue shift from the bulk with the 3.98 eV optical band gap which clearly indicates the strong size confinement effect. Thermogravimetric analyses show increased thermal stability of the nanocomposite compared to the copolymer. The possible growth mechanism of the particles formation and stabilization has been discussed. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.