Dispersion polymerization of acrylamide at 40 degreesC in t-butyl alcohol-water media of varying composition (50 to 90 vol% alcohol) using a partial isopropyl ester of poly(vinyl methyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride) as the stabilizer has been studied. The isopropyl ester derivative proves to be a better stabilizer than its precursor polymer. However, the particles were polydisperse in size. The number average diameter of the particles increases linearly with the solubility parameter of the dispersion medium. Dispersions of nanoparticles of polyacrylamide are produced when the t-butyl alcohol content of the dispersion medium is 90% by volume. Comparison of the particle diameter measured by transmission electron microscopy with that measured by dynamic light scattering in acetone reveals a thickness of the hairy stabilizer layer on the dispersion particles of 31 nm. (C) 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.